TNAG-0095-FCO40-131-Heung-Yee-Kuk-delegation-visit-to-the-United-Kingdom-1968 — Page 76

(6) Introduction of Chinese as an úfrio:ai Language to be

Used Sisaltaneously with English

Although it is appreciated that to rep ase English with Chineas as the only official language would virtually be im possible in the context of 'long Kong, the delegates would ad- vooute that Chinese be added as another official language to be used sizaltaneously in all publie meetings and in Goverment corras: ndsace. The reason for this is obvious.

(7) Land Policy Adopted by the Hane Xong Government in the

Kor Territories

This seems to be a very sore polat about which the delsgates, being owners of many land properties in the New Territories, would certainly spen. in very strong and oritical teras, urging Lard Shepherd to direct an early change in what they consider to be a totally unfair land policy. They would criticise the existing land poliay under three sub-headings, nazaly 1-

(a) Resumption of land for which a ridiculously low rate of

compensation is payble by ́ovemaent to the property OWIEKE .

(b) Conversion premium charged by Government an no uniform

and fixed oriteria.

(e) Unreasonable restrictiɔns on the use of land. The

delegates, particularly Mr. Chun Yet-Jan, sean to inOW a grant deri ebout the land policy and a lengthy discussion an be expected. They would conclude by alging that the existing land policy, particularly the restrictions on the use of land, has frustrated the growth of the councay and the rate of development of the New Territories, and the feelings of the New Territories,pasple against the Govern- sonts land policy are running extremely high and if ignored, will give the Communista sore ammunition to attack the Government and in so doing, to reduce the support of the people for the Government,

At the end of the discussion, Wr. Pang will request that

group picture be taken with Lord Shepherd.

it the request of the elegation the undersigned will prepare two seperate papers similar to this side memoire (which is not known to the delegates) for presentation by ir, fang to Mr. Thorsson and Lord Shepherd at the end of the nestings.

13th February, 1958

རིགས་

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