XN000022-1997-04-14 — Page 7

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"At present, HPA is assessed on the basis of a brand new flat. This is not necessary since the premises resumed are very often older type of premises in poor condition. It suffices to use the replacement cost of a reasonably modern replacement flat (about 10 years old) in assessing HPA," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the proposal would be considered by the Legislative Council Panel on Planning, Lands and Works tomorrow (Tuesday) and the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council shortly.

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Sino-British Land Commission to meet

The two sides of the Sino-British Land Commission have agreed that the Commission's thirty-fourth meeting will be held on April 16, 1997 (Wednesday). The meeting will discuss the Land Disposal Programme for the period from April 1, 1997 to June 30. 1997.

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Employers urged to give entitlements to employees

Employees working under a continuous contract and suspected that they have not been given all the entitlements under the Employment Ordinance are urged to come forward and contact the Labour Department's Labour Relations Division for assistance.

In response to today's (Monday) press reports on employers failing to give entitlements to their employees, a spokesman for the Labour Department said: "Under the Employment Ordinance, an employee who works continuously for the same employer for four weeks or more, prior to a given date, for at least 18 hours in each of the four weeks, is regarded as working under a continuous contract.

"Once he has a continuous contract, the employee is protected by the Employment Ordinance." the spokesman said.