Primary native-speaking English teachers are meant to teach English at many levels, not just to help students pass examinations, the Secretary for Education & Manpower says. They also help introduce students to different cultures.

In a written reply to a question from Shek Lai-him in the Legislative Council today, Prof Arthur Li said: "We expect our students to be able to use English effectively for a variety of purposes, as well as to be exposed to Western culture. For example, a native English teacher is able to introduce the culture from his/her home country to our students and help expand their horizon and experience."

Responding specifically to Mr Shek's criticism that some teachers speak with strong accents, Mr Li replied: "Hong Kong is a world city and we should not confine our students to only one kind of accent of good spoken English. They are likely to come across different accents later in life."

Extra 150 NETs cost $82m in 2003-04 

The Government is hiring an extra 150 native-speaking English teachers in primary schools at a cost of about $82 million in the 2003-04 school year.

The native-speaking English teacher - or "NET" - scheme complements the regular teacher establishment, to create an authentic English-speaking environment in schools and bring in additional language resources.

"Evidence has shown that the scheme has positive impact on students' learning of English. The collaboration between the NET and local teachers also help professional development on both sides. We would continue to monitor the effectiveness of the scheme," Mr Li said.

The Government has commissioned the Hong Kong Institute of Education to evaluate the secondary NET scheme and the results are mainly positive, he added. The primary NET scheme has just begun its second year, and a tertiary institution has been commissioned to evaluate the scheme over a three-year period.