XN000022-1976-01-07 — Page 12

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Wednesday, January 7, 1976

"In view of our land shortage and the many uses to which land is

put in Hong Kong, it is very necessary to protect the interests of those

whose land will lie within the boundaries of any country park or special area designated under the Bill," he said.

The control of land in these areas would remain with the appropriate Land Authority. However, the Country Park Authority may request the relevant Land Authority to require the occupier of any leased land to stop or modify any use of his land which is incompatible with the purpose of the country park.

The Governor will also be empowered to exclude from any country park any village areas, traditional burial grounds, temples, buildings of historic value, and any area leased for purposes of recreation and tourism.

"The Secretary for the New Territories is now drawing up a plan which will delineate these areas and I think it can be accepted that he will protect the legitimate interests of New Territories villagers should any conflict arise between them and the Country Parks Authority," Mr. Robson said.

Under the Bill, landowners would have a right to claim compensation

if:

* the Authority refuses to approve new development permitted by

the lease conditions under which the land is held; or

the occupier is required by the Land Authority to stop or modify

an other ise legitimate use of any land.

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