ENG-1956 — Page 112

82

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

land in Kowloon, have reached their expiry dates. Public statements of Government policy in regard to the terms and conditions under which new Crown leases would be granted were made in 1946 and 1949. Terms and conditions for new leases have already been agreed in a large number of cases, and other leases will become due for renewal in rapidly increasing numbers as further categories fall due. During the financial year 1955-6 revenue from renewals of this type of lease was $1,092,608. A further statement in 1952 in- timated that the Government would be prepared to pay ex-gratia compensation for buildings lawfully erected on certain Kowloon lots, the leases of which could not be renewed owing to town planning requirements, and provision is made for possession of such lots to be retained until the land is required by Government.

A particular area concerned is the proposed Yaumati Com- munity Centre in Kowloon between Kansu Street and Public Square Street, indicated on the Town Planning Board's approved plan No. LK2/19. Leases of a number of lots within this proposed Centre have already expired and will not be renewed, but as the implementation of the Community Centre Scheme is of a long term nature, the lessees are per- mitted to remain in occupation for the time being.

The Government's general policy is to sell leases to the highest bidder at public auction. In certain instances land required for public utilities is sold by private treaty. Land for schools, clinics, and certain other charitable purposes is usually granted by private treaty at preferential rates, vary- ing from no premium at all up to the current market value.

Revenue obtained during the financial year 1955-6 from the sale of land by auction amounted to $5,570,575, while that arising from sale by private treaty, extensions of area, and grants in exchange was $6,990,659.

Since 1948, with the approval of the Secretary of State, certain grants of land have, as a special measure and under