Places of Worship Gazetted as National Monuments and Located on Privately-owned Leasehold Lands

24 Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) how many places of worship which are gazetted as national monuments currently sit on privately owned leasehold land; and (b) whether exceptions can be made to grant freehold or 999-year leases to such places of worship which are legally protected from alterations and changes that will affect their character and significance.

Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: There are 21 places of worship gazetted as National Monuments that sit on privately-owned leasehold land.

The National Heritage Board takes into account factors, such as the character and significance of the National Monuments, their community function as well as any intangible cultural heritage practices associated with the site, when considering lease extensions.