22.
You conclude your submission on social reforms with further reference to the need to provide a full range of facilities throughout the New Territories. Much has been done, and will continue to be done, within the limits of the financial resources available, although clearly the scale of facilities must depend on the size of the popula- tion in any particular place.
Joint Opinion
23.
With regard to the Joint Opinion of your Counsel which was enclosed with your letter of 23 April 1977, I am advised that the Block Crown Leases, the Crown Land Resumption Ordinance and the Town Planning Ordinance are valid and enforceable according to their terms.
24.
It would not be appropriate in this context to enter into a legal debate over the various points raised in the Joint Opinion. Suffice it to say that I am advised that the covenants in the Block Crown Leases are enforceable and that the Ordinances in question are intravires.
25.
I have been directed by the Minister of State to thank you for your informative submission and for your proposals for improvement in the policies which govern land, village housing and public services and for better consultation with the people of the New Territories. The Minister has asked me to add that detailed discussion of your suggestions can only take place in Hong Kong and that the Secretary for the New Territories has been asked to conduct such discussions with you.
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Yours sincerely
Leup Rokert
(Denys Roberts)
Chief Secretary
CC: NT:16.5204:C
NT: 5.5204:C All DOOs
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