CHINESE SCHOOL GRADUATES EMPLOYMENT IN PUBLIC SERVICE (Appointment of Inter-departmental Committee)

Mr D. S. Marshall asked the Chief Secretary whether he will appoint an inter-departmental Committee with a view to making available opportunities for employment in the Public Service of graduates of Chinese Middle Schools.

Mr Stewart: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is no. The Government have already decided to accept a Pass in the Government examinations for Chinese Senior Middle School third-year students as equivalent to the Cambridge School Certificate for the purpose of entering the civil service. There is therefore no need to appoint an Inter-departmental Committee.

Mr Marshall: Sir, is the Chief Secretary informing this House that, in fact, there is no need to investigate the posts available for this particular type of candidate?

Mr Stewart: Mr Speaker, Sir, on 30th March Government issued a statement listing many of the posts which are eligible now for Chinese Middle School third-year students. Additions to the posts are being investigated and consultations are still going on with other departments.

Mr Marshall: That is not what I mean, Sir. We know that there has been this White Paper, but what I am suggesting is that if there is an Inter-departmental Committee with this particular aim in view - for the purposes of investigating what posts are available or can be made available - then we can proceed at a greater pace. Sir, and with more precision in respect of the enrolment of these new applicants.

Mr Speaker: Order. I think the Member for Cairnhill ought to lead up to a supplementary question.

Mr Marshall: The question is this: Would the Chief Secretary not agree that an Inter-departmental Committee would be of considerable assistance in this aim?

Mr Stewart: Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not think it would be essential to have an Inter-departmental Committee.