HC Deb 06 December 1965 vol 722 cc35-6W
Mr. Snow

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will state the total child population in Hong Kong eligible, at the last convenient date, for primary and secondary education on a free-entry basis.

Mr. Greenwood

The estimated totals, based on projections from the 1961 census, are 620,000 primary and 440,000 secondary. At the 30th September, 1965, however, the total enrolment was 627,621 primary and 197,237 secondary. In the Government and Government-aided primary schools, 60 per cent. of the places are occupied by needy pupils on a free or partly free basis. Fees are charged in all Government and Government-aided secondary schools but fee remission is granted in cases of hardship.

The approved plans for the expansion of primary education within the next seven years will provide for education at a low fee (or no fee at all in cases of need) for all children who may wish to attend Government or Government-aided schools.

Mr. Snow

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many primary and secondary schools are operated by the Hong Kong Government on a free educational basis.

Mr. Greenwood

On 30th September, 1965, 104 Primary (84,110 pupils) and 23 Secondary (18,290 pupils) schools were operated by the Hong Kong Government. These are not operated on a free basis, but a fee-remission scheme allow for free and partially free places in cases of hardship.

The great increase in the child population through immigration from China in the seven years from 1954 effectively doubled the estimated number of school places required to provide universal primary education. Hong Kong Government expenditure on education has increased from £5.1 million in 1958–59 to £13.7 million this year and this latter figure is likely to be doubled by 1970. But so great are the calls on public funds that the Hong Kong Government consider that any greater increase in expenditure on education could only be achieved at the expense of other necessary services, such as housing, medical services, water supplies, all of which will require much capital expenditure over the next five years to keep pace with the needs of the community.

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State will be visiting Hong Kong during the Christmas Recess and will discuss this and the many other problems of the territory.