HC Deb 28 June 1978 vol 952 cc616-8W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement of the circumstances under which HK$320,000 was returned to the Golden Jubilee Secondary School in Hong Kong by the Precious Blood administration.

Mr. Luard

The former principal of the Golden Jubilee School diverted HK$305,200 from school funds to those of the Precious Blood Order. This sum, together with accrued interest, was repaid to the school by the order in March 1978, when the facts about what happened had been established.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied that sufficient control by audit is exercised in Hong Kong Government subsidised schools, in the light of the Golden Jubilee Secondary School case.

Mr. Luard

The case has shown that present audit arrangements are not satisfactory. Certain steps have already been taken to tighten control and the Hong Kong Director of Education, together with the Director of Audit and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, is considering what further measures are necessary.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the terms of reference of the committee of inquiry into the affairs of the Golden Jubilee Secondary School in Hong Kong allow a full investigation into the alleged financial irregularities there.

Mr. Luard

The terms of reference of the committee of inquiry are sufficiently broad to enable any relevant matter to be investigated. The committee's chairman has announced publicly that there will be a thorough examination of past events relating to the school.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many teachers employed at the Golden Jubilee Secondary School in Hong Kong have been dismissed; and if these teachers have any right of appeal.

Mr. Luard

No teachers have been dismissed. Sixteen have been informed by the school's management committee that no new contracts will be issued to them when their present ones expire on 31st August. Non-renewal of contract does not carry any right of appeal.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if consultations are still taking place with the Professional Teachers Union concerning staff formerly employed at the Golden Jubilee Secondary School in Hong Kong.

Mr. Luard

The Professional Teachers Union have had a meeting with the Committee of Inquiry set up by the Governor to investigate the events leading to the closure of the Golden Jubilee Secondary School. Representatives of the teachers involved have also had three meetings with the Committee, and have also met with representatives of the Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong, who is responsible for nominating the School Management Committee which employs the teachers.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who gave the authority for the closure of the Golden Jubilee Secondary School in Hong Kong; what consultation took place; and if he will make a statement on the students sit-in.

Mr. Luard

The closure was authorised by the acting director of education after consultation with the Roman Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong. Some 400 students took part in sit-ins and other demonstrations during normal school hours in the week preceding the closure.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Golden Jubilee Secondary School will re-open; and under what name it will be known.

Mr. Luard

A preliminary announcement has been made that the school will reopen on 1st September 1978. The proposed new name is St. Theresa's Secondary School.

Mr Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many policeman were on duty to control the 10,000 people at the mass citizens' assembly on the Golden Jubilee Secondary School issue on 28th May.

Mr. Luard

Nineteen police officers were on duty. Further officers were on standby in nearby police stations.