TNAG-0806-FCO40-1011-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-land-in-the-New-Territo-1979 — Page 52

G.F. 323

16.

CONFIDENTIAL ##

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Notwithstanding replies to previous

representations of the Heung Yee Kuk and the recent Joint

Opinion of Counsel for the Kuk, that the Government is

acting intra vires in respect of the application of the

Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance to the resumption of land

in the New Territories, the Heung Yee Kuk may be expected

to continue its opposition to the resumption of land in the

New Territories in terms, both of the level of ex-gratia

cash compensation, and the slowness of the exchange system.

Nevertheless resumption for development of all kinds must

continue at the significant rate of about 3-4 million h.a.

a year for some years to come.

17.

Representations from the Kuk on this subject

have been made in regular discussion with the Secretary

for the New Territories, and in various petitions submitted

by the Kuk. Questions inspired by the Kuk have also been

asked in Parliament.

18.

Because of the increasing land exchange

commitment resulting from the scale of present resumptions,

the Secretary for the liew Territories has recently requested

the Environment зranch to investigate ways and means of

terminating the land exchange (Letter B) system. This

work has begun. However even if a method is proposed

CONFIDENTIAL

/there

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