ENG-1970 — Page 152

LAND AND HOUSING

117

become so dangerous that, in the public interest, they must be either demolished or made safe. The closure and demolition of 124 build- ings, mainly in the Western and Central districts of Hong Kong Island resulted in the eviction of 5,608 people, compared with 164 buildings and 7,337 people in 1969. This fortunate downward trend reflects the extent and thoroughness with which the division has been able, since its inception seven years ago, to seek out and deal with pre-war buildings in poor condition that still exist through- out most of the older urban areas. During the year 455 notices to repair were served on owners by the division.

During the year 684 complaints were received in the Buildings Ordinance Office from private and public sources necessitating investigation of illegal building works and material change of use in private buildings, priority being given to those cases which may involve a life risk. A total of 2,184 statutory notices affecting build- ings were served during the year. In addition, as a deterrent to illegal building works in newly completed buildings a system of follow-up inspections shortly after the issue of the occupation permit was initiated during the year.

RENT CONTROL

二三

Legislation controlling rents and providing security of tenure was instituted by proclamation immediately after the war and in 1947 was embodied in the Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. It applied to both domestic and business premises and restricted rents by reference to pre-war levels, while excluding new and substantially reconstructed buildings from control. Following an amendment in 1953 permitted increases in standard rents were raised to 55 per cent for domestic premises and 150 per cent for business premises, at which level they have remained ever since.

There is provision in the Landlord and Tenant Ordinance for the exclusion of premises where redevelopment is intended. Such exclusions are made on the recommendation of a tenancy tribunal by order of the Governor or the Governor in Council in the case of an appeal. The payment of compensation to tenants dispossessed is almost invariably a condition to the grant of an exclusion order. One hundred and one such orders were approved during 1970, in- volving 290 buildings. An amendment in 1968 provided that, subject