The Housing Authority is considering subsidising Link Real Estate Investment Trust plaintiff Lo Siu-lan, whose application for legal aid has been rejected, to take the case to the Court of Final Appeal, Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen says.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Mr Suen said the authority is now liaising with Ms Lo through lawyers, adding the authority hopes to have a final judgement on the case as soon as possible to clear obstacles for the REIT's relaunch.

If Ms Lo eventually did not appeal to the Court of Final Appeal, the authority would state the legal situation clearly in black and white when it re-launched the listing.

He said it is inappropriate speculate on the share price because it will depend on the economic situation when the REIT is relaunched.

Mr Suen did not worry that someone would challenge the legality of the divestment exercise in the same way again because the legality has been re-affirmed by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

If someone lodged a similar appeal to the High Court again, he believed the court would take the previous rulings into consideration.

Speaking on the Government's new initiatives to enhance building management and maintenance, Mr Suen said the Government wants to help flat owners with financial difficulties through the Urban Renewal Authority and the Housing Society.

Different bodies have different responsibilities

When asked the difference between the assistance offered by various organisations, Mr Suen said the Building Department will focus on the demolition of illegal structures, while the Urban Renewal Authority and the Housing Society will deal with building maintenance.

While the Urban Renewal Authority takes care of the buildings in listed redeveloping areas, the Housing Society will work on the buildings in the remaining districts.

Mr Suen hopes the Housing Society will also help flat owners to set up owners corporations and hire lawyers to offer legal advice to flat owners.

On the feasibility of introducing mandatory building inspections, Mr Suen said public discussion is needed because the issue involves legal matters.