other projects was longer than had been allowed for in programmes resulting
in later starts and under-expenditure of $11.5M. These programme changes
accounted for approximately 11% of the deficiency.
During the year attempts were made to retrieve the position and
make use of the funds made available by the growing under-expenditure on
programmed items by injecting new items and accelerating works on certain
projects. The results of our efforts produced additional expenditure of
Prior
i...
$113M. but this was eroded by further miscellaneous items of under-expenditure
and finally only about 18% of the overall deficiency was retrieved.
to 1975 it was usually possible to maintain expenditure levels as there were
no limitations on the types of new items which could be injected and because
the staffing position was generally more favourable. However with the
limitations of the priority system and staff availability it was not possible
during the 1976/77 financial year to inject items which could produce quick or
heavy expenditure. I should point out that I am not arguing against the
priority system which I consider to be basically sound. I am merely
indicating that it does reduce flexibility to some degree.
Miss Dunn also questioned whether the Public Works Department is
adequately staffed and organised for its vast responsibilities.
*
In common with most other Government Departments, the P.".D. was
greatly affected by the limitations placed on staff recruitment and expansion
imposed early in 1975. These limitations, coupled with the competition from
and attraction to employment in other sectors, undermined the Department's
ability to meet all of our programmes. At the 1st April 1975 the Architectural
Office had a shortfall on establishment of Architects of 16, Building
Services Engineers 18%, Quantity Surveyors 19% and Structural Engineers
26%. During 1976 vacancies for Structural Engineers were reduced by about
half, but the situation deteriorated still further in respect of Architects
with the position at 1st March 1977 showing vacancies of over 30%. However,
response to current recruitment exercises being carried out both locally
/Cont'd.