205
As a preliminary to the re-organization, Headquarters were moved from the Fire Brigade Build- ing into rented accommodation in Li Po Chun Chambers. This has resulted in an increase in the provision for Rent, and has also necessitated the creation of the item for Cleaning of Offices. The increase in staff and in activities generally have accounted for the additional provisions under "Fuel, Light & Power", "Stores & Equipment", "Transport" and "Uniforms & Accoutrements for Disciplined Staff". The net increase in the vote for Other Charges Annually Recurrent is $385,800.
Provisions for a wide variety of new items are included under Special Expenditure. A camera ($1,200) is required for recording early scenes at fires for investigation and training purposes. Separate Escape Ladders are being provided for training purposes at a cost of $48,000 in order to save service escapes from wear and tear. Diving Apparatus ($4,800), Breathing Apparatus ($36,000) and Resuscitating Appliances ($14,000) are all items which will assist the Brigade in dealing more effectively, and in greater safety, with any outbreaks of fires. The installation of Radio Telephony Equipment ($200,100) on fire appliances will enable those vehicles to be deployed to best advantage and will ensure their speedy response to fire alarms. Funds are also included for the following new orders: 3 additional and 4 replacement Ambulances and 5 Sitting Case Cars ($230,000) for the Ambulance Service; 1 Light Pump Appliance ($42,000) for the new Sha Tau Kok Station; 1 additional and 1 replacement Motor Pump Appliance ($328,000); 6 new Vehicles ($36,000), 2 Turn- table Ladders ($450,000) and 2 Water Tenders ($269,000) to meet increased activities; and 2 inflatable Water Dams ($8,000). Provisions amounting to $2,295,300 for meeting payments on items approved in the 1960/61 Estimates for delivery in 1961/62 and revotes make up the balance of the total vote of $3,713,500 for Special Expenditure.
HEAD 40 - INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Estimate 1961/62
$2,290,500
Revised estimate 1960/61
1,802,000
Approved estimate 1960/61
2,283,700
Actual expenditure 1959/60
1,127,229
1960/61
1961/62
Difference
Permanent staff
Supernumerary staff
Net increase
95
100
+ 5
1
+1.
2 Typists
New posts
3 Calligraphist Assistants
1 Principal Information Officer
6
Supernumerary Staff
Two additional posts of Typist and three of Calligraphist Assistant are needed to handle the increased work arising from the expansion of the Press Division and the Radio News Room.
The supernumerary post of Principal Information Officer has been created for an experimental period for a Chinese press liaison officer, who will also advise on drafting publicity in the Chinese language.
Under Special Expenditure, funds are provided to cover the cost of another camera and more studio lighting equipment in order to increase the efficiency of the Film Unit.