CONFIDENTIAL
Topics for Discussion
Presentation of Petitions (see paragraph 2 of the Line to Take)
6. The Kuk have told the Secretary for the New Territories that they intend to present the Minister with two petitions: on the Crown Land Resumption Ordinance and legislation on town planning. If these petitions become available to the Hong Kong Government before the delegation leaves Hong Kong, the Secretary for the New Territories will telegraph summaries. Meanwhile, the background to the subject matter of the two petitions is as follows:
(a) the Crown Land Resumption Ordinance: there has been considerable development in the New Territories of Hong Kong in recent years since this is the only area available for expansion. The Crown Land Resumption Ordinance is a basic source of dissatisfaction in the eyes of the Kuk since it limits legal compensation for the land resumed;
(b) legislation on Town Planning: it is not clear on which specific subject, if any, the Kuk intend to petition the Minister. It may be that they are dissatisfied with the public services in the New Territories, which have tended to lag behind those in the rest of Hong Kong, or over the extension of rates and property taxation to certain towns
in the New Territories in 1975.
The Kuk's Status (see paragraph 3)
7. It has been the Hong Kong Government's policy to encourage the development of consultative bodies in the New Territories. The Kuk has seen this policy as a threat to its traditional position. While the Kuk can no longer expect to enjoy the exclusive position it has held in the past, because of the massive influx of new inhabitants to the New Territories, it has been assured that there will continue to be a place for responsible leaders, such as its members, on local bodies. The inclusion of Kuk members on bodies such as the Recreation and Amenities Committee in Tsuen Wan, where the Kuk has a larger representation
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CONFIDENTIAL