53. During 1970-71, one urban lot was re-entered upon by the Crown for non-payment of premium. The re-entered lot, of an area of 2,100 sq. ft., was held under Conditions of Sale for use for industrial and/or godown purposes. No relevant interests were vested in The Colonial Treasurer Incorporated.
54. After a petition made by the former lessee to the Governor in Council for relief against forfeiture, re-entry on one urban lot was cancelled upon payment of arrears of premium and interest, and adminis- trative and Land Office registration fees.
Legal Proceedings against Property Owners
55. In some cases where there is a default in payment of Crown rent or premium, as an alternative to re-entry legal proceedings are instituted against the owner for the recovery of the money due to the Government. During the year, 12 such cases were referred to the Legal Department for legal proceedings to be instituted, and a total sum of $146,192 was recovered in 11 cases, including one referred to the Legal Department in the previous year. Four cases were pending at the end of the year.
Armed Services and Ministry of Defence Lands
56. The Land Office maintains registers of all lands appropriated for the armed services and the Ministry of Defence, and is responsible for preparing all documents relating thereto. Under the policy announced by the Government in December 1966, the old Military Lands Account procedure established in the 1890s was superseded by a new arrangement, under which the Ministry of Defence has agreed to return to the Hong Kong Government free of charge any land appropriated for the armed services or the Ministry of Defence as soon as the land is no longer required for purposes in connection with the defence of the Colony, and the Government has agreed to provide land free to the Ministry of Defence when the Government agrees the land is needed for such purposes. During the year Memoranda of Appropriation were completed and executed in respect of six pieces of land provided by the Government for use by the Ministry of Defence, four of them for married quarters, one for a cemetery and the remaining one for a coast watching station. The latter was provided by the Government in consideration of the surrender by the Ministry of Defence of Admiralty Lot No. 14 (at Tai O) by a Deed of Renunciation.
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