XN000022-1976-04-12 — Page 2

Monday, April 12, 1976

DECISION ON RENT INCREASE FOR GROUP B SHOPS UNCHANGED

GOVERNMENT SAYS "NO" TO SHOPKEEPERS' PETITION

The Colonial Secretary, in his reply to a group of shopkeepers

who petitioned the Governor last Friday, says that the Housing Authority's

decision to introduce a small rent increase to Group B shops on month-to-month

tenancies from April 1 is to stand.

"There can be no question of delaying the increase or varying the

amount of the increase, " he added.

The latter said that the increase has had the full support of the

Government and that in cash terms, for about 92 per cent of the shop tenancies,

operators have only to pay an extra $10 to $32 a month.

"His Excellency is satisfied that the increase is necessary and will

not cause hardship for commercial premises 'such as these, and he asks you

to inform the members of your group that there can be no question of delaying

the increase or varying the amount of the increase," it added.

"The Authority's decision is a very reasonable one and he hopes

that all the shop tenants concerned will respond in a responsible manner,

remembering that they have for years enjoyed

-

and will continue to enjoy -

a highly privileged situation as tenants of these shops."

Commenting on reports that some shop tenants are worried about

the cheques or cashier orders they had purchased for payment of the old

rent, a spokesman for the Housing Department said they are accertable for

rent payment purpose on condition that tenants make up the balance

equivalent to the new rents.

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