Resettlement_Department_Annual_Report_1972-1973 — Page 20

COMMERCIAL PREMISES

52. Until 1969 operators of commercial undertakings in a clearance area were given shops in domestic estates as compensation for loss of livelihood. The ground floors of nearly all blocks were used for this purpose, resulting in the over-provision of shops far in excess of what is required to meet the needs of the estate tenants. Cleared work- shops were also given ground floor premises, and these have proved to be the main offenders in obstructing public areas. Considerable difficulty is experienced in enforcing tenancy conditions in respect of the 9,066 retail shop and 1,768 workshop tenancies and a great deal of time and effort of estates staff is taken up in attempting to do so. During the year many illegal shop extensions were demolished in various estates.

53. At the end of March 1973 there were 246 general restaurants in estates, of which 187 were in ground floor premises not designed for the purpose, and 59 were in premises built for use as restaurants. In addition, there were 288 light refreshment cafes in ground floor premises.

54. A new policy since 1969 provides for commercial premises to be let on fixed-term tenancy by public tender. This enables more effective enforcement of tenancy conditions. During the year 50 shops and three restaurants were let by tender, premia of over $1.7 million being realized. In addition, five banks and 627 market stalls were let by tender, with total premia received of nearly $1.4 million.

WELFARE SERVICES

55. Details of schools, clinics and welfare services in estates are given in Appendices 10-13.

56. Premises are let to organizations on the recommendation of the Education Department for primary schools run on a non-profit making basis, at a nominal rent of $1 a month. At the end of the year, there were 173 schools on the rooftops and 38 on the ground floors of Mark I and Mark II blocks; 29 on the top floor of Mark III blocks; and 56 in the separate estate school buildings in the newer estates. The total enrolment in these schools was 208,304.

57. 19 3-storey kindergartens, containing 6 classrooms, have been provided in the end bays of Mark V and Mark VI blocks, at the

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