Xinhua's obligations to pay rates remain unclear, the Citizens Party says.
Speaking after talks yesterday with acting Secretary for Justice Ian Wingfield, party chairman Christine Loh Kung-wai said her queries about Xinhua's status remained unanswered and that the administration was still unclear what to do.
The rates issue was raised after the Sunday Morning Post claimed the news agency may be exempt from paying property rates after the British crown privileges were transferred to the 'state'.
Ms Loh criticised the Government for failing to assess the impact before rushing through the new Adaptation of Laws ordinance and said it was unprepared.
A Department of Justice spokesman said policy bureaux were reviewing laws related to the adaptations.
She said she was unaware if the Finance Bureau had sought the department's advice on whether or not Xinhua should pay rates.
