La
11 February 1977
Mr Robert, Parry (Liverpool, Scotland Exchange): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assistance is given by the Hong Kong Government to enable small businessmen to carry on their trades following compulsory acquisition of their businesses for the construction of the Mass Transit Railway.
No W3
MR EVAN LUARD
As I have explained in answer to another of my hon Friend's Questions today, businesses are not acquired but compensation is assessed for loss or damage to a business caused by land acquisition. Where claims are referred to the Land Tribunal because a settlement cannot be reached, the Hong Kong Covernment, pending adjudication, offers assistance in the form of an advance payment equivalent to its statutory compensation offer. Half of this sum is paid on acceptance, and half when vacant possession of the premises has been given. Owners of businesses must be given three months' statutory notice of land acquisition and at least six months' notice of their likely removal date. In practice, longer periods or notice are usually given.