XN000022-1996-08-08 — Page 3

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"At present, Zone A covers New Town Development areas only," a government spokesman said today (Thursday).

"It is considered justified to treat areas affected by essential projects with territory-wide significance the same as New Town Development areas in the system, in view of the scale of the development and importance of the projects to Hong Kong.

"It is not practicable to lay down guidelines on what constitutes an essential project in this category. Each case has to be considered on its individual merits, with reference to precedent cases."

The working group also recommends some refinements to the Government's internal procedures for reviewing zonal boundaries and re-affirms the current practice of applying a uniform rate across different compensation zones in land resumption for a single project.

The recommendations in the review have been endorsed by the Governor-in- Council. Approval will be sought from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for adopting a new definition of Zone A and continuing the practice of applying a uniform rate across different compensation zones in land resumption for a single project.

The system currently consists of four compensation zones, namely A to D, with ex-gratia compensation rates in descending order. The zonal compensation rates and boundaries are subject to regular review by the Government.

End

New cargo working area to be opened on Saturday

The public cargo working area (PCWA) in Area 16 of Tuen Mun will be opened on Saturday (August 10) as fast working berths to ensure every cargo operator to have a fair chance to use the facilities funded by the public, a Marine Department spokesman said today (Thursday).

Some operators have objected to the new PCWA to be operated as such and demand a first-come-first-served system.