TNAG-0810-FCO40-1015-Legislation-for-Crown-lands-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 5

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G.S. 84

XCR (79)4

Clause 8

The Schedule to the Ordinance is amended both to take account of the proposed amendments, and to make the Housing Authority an Authority (together with the Secretary for the New Territories) for the purposes of sections 11 and 12 of the Ordinance, reflecting an extension of Housing Department Squatter Control responsibilities agreed between the Housing

Department and the New Territories Administration.

Financial Implications and Staffing

8

It is not anticipated that any financial or staff resources will be required as a result of the proposed amendments. Account has already been taken separately of the extension of Housing Department Squatter Control responsibilities to the New Territories in the 5-Year Forecast. Any prosecutions arising from action, under the amendments to sections 6 and 16 of the Ordinance will be handled by the existing Housing Department Prosecution Section or New Territories Administration in consultation with the Legal Department.

Publicity

9

The Secretary for the New Territories and the Secretary for Home Affairs have been consulted on the proposed amendments, which have the full support of the Housing Authority, and it is considered that there will be no adverse public reaction to the enactment of the amendments as such. However, in individual cases of demolition, public sympathy may be aroused, especially if the new powers are abused in any way. In such circumstances, the grant of such powers may be severely criticised. Suitable publicity will be given to the new offence in respect of erecting structures on unleased land, emphasising that this is aimed at discouraging racketeers from involving themselves in the erection of structures for sale to the unsuspecting. No special publicity is required for other amendments since these constitute changes in procedure rather than policy.

Advice Sought

10

Honourable Members will be asked to advise whether the Crown Land (Amendment) Bill 1979 should be introduced into the Legislative Council.

(The Secretary for Housing (Mr A. J. SCOTT) and the Assistant to the Law Officers (Acting) (Mr J. F. MATHEWS) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).

14th December 19

(HOU 3/6172/77)

RESTRICTEDUNCIL CHAMBER