EARLY DAY MOTION NO 116
ARBITRARY EVICTION IN HONG KONG
Line to Take
1. This is a matter for the Hong Kong Government, in which
the Government have every confidence. My honourable Friend,
the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs,
replied to a number of Questions on the subject on 17 July
and further Questions are being answered today. I see no
need for a separate debate.
Notes for Supplementaries
1.
The evictions are arbitrary and should be postponed
The property has been resumed in accordance with the provisions
of Hong Kong law. The land is required to make way for the
construction of the Mass Transit Railway. Notice has been
given for the occupiers to quit the property by 31 July. How-
ever, the situation will be reviewed by the Hong Kong authorities
before any evictions take place.
2. The compensation is inadequate
In accordance with Hong Kong law, the compensation offered was
based on the open market value for similar property in the area
when it reverted to the Crown in November 1978. At that time
this compensation would have been sufficient to buy alternative
accommodation though property prices have risen since then. The
majority of the owners have accepted the compensation that has
been offered.