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.
   
The proposed revision was submitted to China's top legislature for deliberation.
   
China's top legislator Wu Bangguo took part in the discussion. 
  
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.
   
"This would produce more capital which is crucial for the development of the rural areas, and curb usurious loans as well," he said.
   
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.
   
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.
   
Members also agreed that the law should aim for better safeguards for the country's economic system and public interests.
   
The full text of the draft law was released on July 10, and the public had a month to submit opinions and views. 
   
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)