TNAG-1812-FCO40-2573-Preservation-of-Ohel-Leah-Synagogue-in-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 40

FOR

(i)

Arguments presented

Refusal to lift declaration will render Government liable to

compensation claims.

3

Facts and observations

Section 8 of the Antiquities & Monuments Ordinance provides for compensation in respect of financial loss suffered or may be suffered by reason of a refusal to grant a permit to demolish a proposed monument. Crown Counsel has advised that the amount to be paid is a matter of expert assessment by valuers, etc. Bearing in mind. that the Synagogue is closed to the general public, it would not be in the public interest for government funds to be expended in compen- sation. Expenditures and efforts in court pro- ceeding also considered unjustified and wasteful.

4/.....