La
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
for WRITTEN answer on11 February 1977
W
HKD
The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by
6
Noon, Thursday 10 February 1977.
Mr Robert Parry (Liverpool, Scotland Exchange): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what was the final settlement of compensation to tenants of the Tai on Mansions who were evicted to make way for the construction of the Mass Transit Railway in Hong Kong; what was the original offer in each individual case; and which of these tenants have been resettled in their small businesses.
Mr Evan Lord
The domestic occupants of Tai On Mansion have all accepted public housing and payment of removal expenses at a rate of $HK20 per square foot of area occupied and lower rates for storage space. In total, $HK186,244 has been paid to 47 families. The position in respect of the former occupants of business premises in the building is
as follows:
(i) Welcome Furniture Company: A statutory offer of $HK80,500 was made. Agreement on a higher figure is understood to be imminent. The business is operating from a nearby, long-established, branch
store.
(ii) Very Good Tailors: A statutory offer of $HK31, 150 was made. Agreement has been reached at $HK52,601.44. The owner is continuing in business with his brother who has operated a tailor's shop
elsewhere in Kowloon for some years.
(iii) Tak Yuen Cafe: A statutory offer of $HK19,500 was made. Agreement has not been reached pending the opening of alternative premises nearby, when the claimant's losses can be more accurately assessed.
(iv) Paramount Photo Services Co: A statutory offer of $HK13,807 was made. Agreement has not been reached. The owner's claim is likely to be referred to the Lands Tribunal soon. The premises were a showroom for a film developing and processing laboratory operating elsewhere. It is not known whether alternative premises for the showroom have been found.
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