The Permanent Secretary for Education & Manpower told representatives of 11 pre-school organisations that the Bureau will not stop financial assistance to kindergartens and parents during the class suspension period.

Fanny Law said in the Legislative Council that the Bureau would review again in May the situation of the pre-school institutes due to SARS, and consider whether further assistance to the industry was necessary.

Mrs Law said non-profit making kindergartens would continue to receive reimbursements of expenses under the Kindergartens Subsidy Scheme for April and May.

Mrs Law heard how the industry has been hit severely by SARS during the meeting. On suspension of school fee payments by parents, she appealed again to parents to pay school fees for April and May.

The Bureau would send letters to parents through the kindergartens on their obligations to pay school fees.

She added that those families in financial trouble due to SARS may apply for fees remission for their children during the class suspension period.  Parents should submit their applications as soon as possible.