C.S. 84
RESTRICTED
XCR (77)302
- 2 -
the weapon in use do not cross the range boundary. Safety templates are laid down by the Ministry of Defence and there is no local discretion to vary them. They are arrived at by calculating the area within which rounds from a weapon will fall, the circular area within which each round is dangerous on impact and the ricochet pattern of the weapon, Anyone within the template area is at risk when firing is taking place, and the Services' regulations do not permit them to fire if there is a likelihood that anyone is within the template area. There is also a danger that the cultivation of agricultural land anywhere within the range will turn up unexploded ammunition which can cause death or injury.
5
Because of the existence of these 10 lots within the range, the Army have been forced to place restrictions on the arcs within which they fire and have not been able to make use of the full extent of Castle Peak Range. From a military point of view this is unaccep- table since it imposes limitations on firing practice which are detri- mental to the Army's proficiency. These limitations cannot be avoided by resiting the ranges or excluding the 10 lots from the range boundaries.
Other considerations
6
The general location of the land to be resumed is shown coloured orange on the identification plan at Annex A. The Secretary for the New Territories is satisfied that the area of land to be resumed is the minimum necessary to meet the requirements of the range. The total cost of resumption and clearance is estimated at $1, 263,000 and funds are available to meet this expen- diture.
7
The clearance may involve payment of compensation for crops, fruit trees, ex-gratia allowance to cultivators, compen- sation for fish ponds and miscellaneous items e. g. fences, gates etc.
8
No building land is involved. Only one temporary domestic structure on Crown land will have to be removed. This is occupied by one family and they will be offered accommodation in a public housing estate in Tuen Mun or rehabilitation allowance of $5,000 if found eligible.
RESTRICTED
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