I REFER to the letter dated February 27 from Lui Wai-ling, Mid-Levels. It is not true to say that the review of New Territories laws by the City and New Territories Administration will not include land inheritance. In fact, we have been considering amendments to the New Territories Ordinance which provides for the recognition of Chinese customs with respect to land inheritance in the New Territories. The purpose is to bring it up to date with the realities and needs of present-day society. We are considering, for example, restricting the application of customary rules of succession only to rural land owned by the indigenous population, for whom the existing rules have special meaning. We also plan to improve the existing provisions in the Ordinance which are designed to enable indigenous landowners to get round the effect of customary law either by seeking an exemption of land from the application of that law or by making a will. Thisshould benefit both male and female owners. In considering the amendments, we shall continue to have proper regard for all citizens' rights, irrespective of their gender or geographical origin.
