TNAG-1732-FCO40-2445-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 202

CONVEYANCING AND PROPERTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987

Resumption of debate on Second Reading (28 October 1987)

Question proposed.

MR. PETER C. WONG:

sir,

cap

When the principal ordinance was enacted in 1984, it was warmly welcomed by the legal profession.

At the resumed debate of the Conveyancing and Property

Bill 1984, I said:-

The

'The law relating to immovable property and conveyancing in Hong Kong has remained virtually unchanged since 1844. It is mainly based on English

legislation of the 16th century and later which apply

by virtue of the Application of English Law Ordinance

(I)

D

After 143 years, we have now before us a fairly comprehensive piece of legislation of our own dealing with conveyancing and property, both movable and immovable. The Bill attempts to embody the best of modern English law and local practice and is designed to meet our own particular needs. To this end, it is, in my view, a typical Hong Kong compromise, one that will preserve continuity while at the same time incorporating useful and practical improvements. This Bill assumes greater importance if it is viewed in the light of the rapid development of Hong Kong as a modern financial and investment centre. In view of

1997, it is essential that we should have our own

independent legislation which is not dependent upon

English law and practice