XN000022-1996-07-10 — Page 64

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NT Land (Exemption) Ordinance explained

Following is a question by the Hon Zachary Wong Wai-yin and a reply by the acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Stella Hung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

The New Territories Land (Exemption) Ordinance (Cap 452) has been implemented for two years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of:

Reply:

(a) the number of lawsuits filed under the Ordinance over the past two

years:

(b)

(c)

the number of women in the above lawsuits who were successful in securing the right of succession to land in the New Territories; and

whether activities have been conducted to publicise the Ordinance so as to ensure that women in the New Territories have a clear understanding of their entitlements under the Ordinance; if so, the contents, timing and costs of such activities?

The New Territories Land (Exemption) Ordinance provides for the application of the general laws of inheritance to land in the New Territories, thereby safeguarding the equal rights for women to inherit land in the New Territories. The Ordinance takes effect in this regard from 24 June 1994.

There is no provision for filing lawsuits under the New Territories Land (Exemption) Ordinance. Women who wish to inherit land in the New Territories after the enactment of the Ordinance have to apply for grants of probate or letters of administration under the general laws of inheritance These laws include the Probate and Administration Ordinance (Cap 10), the Intestates' Estates Ordinance (Cap 73) and the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Ordinance (Cap 481).