CHINESE SCHOOLS (Policy)

Mr Lim Cher Kheng asked the Minister for Education whether he will give an assurance-.

(a) that the management of Chinese Schools as run by the existing school committees will not be jeopardised by the adoption of the new Chinese Education Policy;

(b) that there will not be any lowering of the standards of the textbooks and changing of curricula in the Chinese Schools; and

(c) that the registration granted to the qualified teachers in Chinese Schools will continue to be recognised.

Mr Chew Swee Kee: To (a) the answer is there is no new Chinese Education Policy apart from the policy laid down in the White Paper. The policy applies to all schools, and aided Chinese schools will have exactly the same degree of autonomy as aided English schools.

(b) I would refer the hon. Member to the relevant sections of the All-Party Committee Report, especially sections K, L, and M, and to paragraphs 17, 19, 20, 21 and 22 of the White Paper.

(c) The answer is yes.