The following is issued on behalf of the Education Commission:

The Education Commission (EC) further discussed the reform of education system at its meeting today(March 14).

The EC Chairman, Mr Antony Leung said," Our various sub-groups are making their best efforts to work on the review and we are satisfied with the progress they have made."

"Given the significance that the reform proposals will have on the overall development of education in Hong Kong, we are pleased to see that the Government has set aside a total of $800 million in the 2000-01 budget to enable some of the more urgent recommendations to make an early start," he said.

"We will consult the public as soon as we have completed the whole package of reform proposals and will take into account the public's views before finalising our recommendations."

At today's meeting, the EC also noted the report submitted by the University Grants Committee(UGC). The EC was glad to see the development of higher education in Hong Kong over the past few years. The EC will liaise closely with the UGC and the higher education sector in taking the reform of education forward.

Ends/Tuesday, March 14, 2000