TNAG-1361-FCO40-1807-Hong-Kong-Hansard-reports-and-minutes-of-the-meetings-of-the-1985 — Page 134

Question No. 12

Question:

Speech by the Hon. CHAN Nai-keong, CBE, JP, Secretary for Lands and Works, in answer to question by the Hon. Andrew SO, OBE, JP, at Legislative Council on 13.3.85

In view of the public concern over the possible loss of the old banyan tree at Stanley Market as a result of the proposed land sale, could Government inform this Council of the present position?

Sir,

The tree is situated on Crown land adjoining

No. 12 Stanley Market Road. Planning of the Stanley area

indicated the site should be used for commercial/residential

purposes and accordingly, after consultation with departments concerned the lot was included in the land sales programme

and was scheduled for auction on 1 March 1985.

Subsequently petitions for the preservation of

the tree were received which would in effect mean the lot

could not be sold. Although the background had been carefully looked into, it was decided a further investigation should be carried out in the light of expressed public concern. То allow additional time for this review, sale of the lot has

been postponed to 18 April 1985.