XN000022-1996-12-13 — Page 11

"The lessees of these rural holdings are still required to pay the rent as provided in the lease documents. Exemptions from liability to pay Government rents are not a perpetual right and will cease if the eligibility criteria are not met."

The Rating and Valuation Department will be responsible for collecting these rents. For the convenience of the public, Government rents will be included in the quarterly rates demands from July 1997 onwards, thus enabling the public to pay both Government rents and rates at the same time.

The rateable value of the land leased will be assessed and updated in the same manner as provided for under the Rating Ordinance. Provisions for proposals, objections, alterations and appeals to the rateable values in the Government Rent Roll are similar to those under the Rating Ordinance.

The leases for which Government rents are payable are as follows -

(a)

(b)

those leases in the New Territories (including New Kowloon) which would expire on 27 June 1997, had they not been extended until 30 June 2047 under the New Territories Leases (Extension) Ordinance;

those non-renewable leases in the urban area which have been extended;

(c) leases granted since the entry into force of the JD; and

(d)

those special purpose leases, which contain a provision requiring payment of ground rent equivalent to 3% of the rateable value from time to time of the land leased.

Those who wish to know whether they will be liable to pay Government rents can phone the Rating and Valuation Department at 2805 7704 during office hours.

End

Draft Chek Lap Kok OZP published

The Town Planning Board today (Friday) announced the publication of the new draft Chek Lap Kok Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

The main purpose of the plan was to provide a broad landuse zoning and transport framework for the development of the new airport and associated facilities, a spokesman for the Board said.