Members of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and NPC deputies on Monday focused their attention on the issue of land ownership during their discussion on a proposed revision to the property rights law at the ongoing 18th session of the NPC Standing Committee.
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The proposed revision was submitted to China's top legislature for deliberation.
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China's top legislator Wu Bangguo took part in the discussion.?
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Addressing Article 205 of the draft that prohibits public-owned land to be pawned, Wang Shouchen, said that land, except that to be used by farmers as abodes, should be allowed to be pawned.
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"This would produce more capital which is crucial for the development of the rural areas, and curb usurious loans as well," he said.
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Huang Daifang, an NPC deputy, argued that allowing farmers to pawn their land would lead to an increase in the number of homeless people, and higher incidences of social unrest.
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Huang's view was echoed by other members who agreed that a rise in the number of homeless people would be potentially harmful to social stability.
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Members also agreed that the law should aim for better safeguards for the country's economic system and public interests.
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The full text of the draft law was released on July 10, and the public had a month to submit opinions and views.?
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On September 26, Wu presided over a discussion, soliciting opinions from NPC Standing Committee members and NPC deputies on the draft revision.?

(Xinhua News Agency October 25, 2005)