TNAG-0809-FCO40-1014-Legislation-for-Crown-lands-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 74

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B

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XCR (78)232

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The clearance will involve both Crown land and private land. 40 temporary structures (19 on Crown land and 21 on private land) used for domestic purposes will have to be cleared. These temporary structures are occupied by about 60 families who if found eligible will be offered public housing. Families not eligible for public housing will be offered space in a temporary housing area. Genuine cultivator- families who opt to continue cultivation elsewhere may be eligible for an ex-gratia rehabilitation allowance of $5, 000 per family but will forfeit their priority for public housing.

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In addition to the temporary structures mentioned above, a total of 219 other temporary structures which make up the Sha Tin Market will also have to be cleared. These include 130 shops, 8 workshops, 12 restaurants, 3 clinics and a school.

Arrangements for the Clearance of Sha Tin Market

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Part of Sha Tin Market, i. e., the first three rows of shops fronting the old Taipo Road was cleared in 1976. Exceptional arrange- ments for compensation were made to those cleared in view of the special circumstances of Sha Tin Market. Details of these arrange- ments are given in paragraphs 1 to 3 of Annex B.

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It was intended at the time that similar arrangements would be made for the clearance of the remainder of Sha Tin Market. Details of these arrangements agreed between the District Officer Sha Tin and the Director of Housing for the forthcoming clearance of the remainder of Sha Tin Market are given in paragraphs 4-10 of Annex B.

G.S. 84

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Honourable Members will have noted that as it will not be possible to reprovision the existing commercial undertakings at Sha Tin Market on a one-for-one basis; ex-gratia cash compensation, over and above that normally awarded under Housing Department policy, will have to be paid. The Secretary for the New Territories is currently considering the level of cash compensation necessary and will make recommendations to the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council as soon as possible.

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Arrangements have been made for the teachers and pupils affected by the closure of the Lutheran Primary School to continue schooling in a new school to be operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church or in other primary schools in Sha Tin.

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