XN000022-1972-05-10 — Page 21

Wednesday, May 10, 1972

LAND HONG KONG'S ONE NATURAL RESOURCE

Adequate Payment Should Be Made For Ita Exclusive Uso

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Hong Kong has very little land and the terms on which it is

transferred to and retained in private hands must be carefully protected.

The Financial Secretary, the Hon. C.P. Haddon-Cave stated this

today in the Legislative Council. He was replying to points raised by

Unofficial Members on a motion to have the present policy of assessing

Crown rents on renewable Crown leases reviewed.

"This has been recognised by the Government and, I believe, by

the people of Hong Kong for many years," he said.

Anything concerning land

valla valle

Hong Kong's one natural resource

concerned everyone, he added.

Government and the community as a whole are all concerned that

those who are granted exclusive rights over Hong Kong's limited resources

of land should develop their lots in such a way as to maximise their

economic value.

"We are also concerned that they should pay the community adequatoly

for the benefits conferred upon them by such exclusive use,

The level of payments made by private interests for the exclusive

use of land was, therefore, a matter which concerned the community as a

whole, he said.

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