A taskforce of information technology experts, parents, school principals, teachers and publishers will be formed to assess the use and price of school textbooks.

In his 2008-09 Policy Address today, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said the move is part of the Government's garnering of international experience in formulating long-term measures to alleviate the financial burden on parents and to facilitate learning.

"Some people have pointed out that the frequently-revised textbooks have imposed a financial burden on parents in recent years. [We will] form a task force to study these issues in detail," he said.

Authorities will also look into the development of electronic learning resources to enhance students' ability for self-learning and interactive learning, and promote the use of e-books rather than printed copies.

From the 2008-09 school year the Government has fully subsidised students in public secondary schools, including senior secondary education. The New Senior Secondary Curriculum will be implemented from the 2009-10 school year marking a key milestone in Hong Kong's educational development.

The curriculum and assessment changes will promote whole-person development and life-long learning among students.

"We will give full support to schools in implementing these initiatives. In parallel, we will continue to commit additional resources to enhance the quality of English teaching and learning."