************************************************

Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Man-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Professor Arthur K C Li, in the Legislative Council today (December 8):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council of the following in respect of the 2002-03 school year and the two succeeding school years:

(a) the respective reduction of primary and secondary classes due to an insufficient student intake each year, and the respective amounts of public money thus saved each year; and

(b) the respective numbers of primary and secondary schools which ceased operation due to an insufficient student intake each year, and the respective amounts of public money thus saved each year?

Reply:

Madam President,

In the 2002/03 - 2004/05 school years,

(a) the respective reduction of primary and secondary classes due to an insufficient student intake each year, and the savings realised each year are set out in Annex I.

(b) the respective numbers of primary and secondary schools which ceased operation due to an insufficient student intake each year, and the respective amounts of public money thus saved each year are set out in Annex II.

Ends/Wednesday, December 8, 2004

NNNN