with its investigations to locate the proprietor of a firm against whom a claim for liquidated damages and cost of extra work amounting to $99,547.83 was lodged on 1st April, 1967 and which remains outstanding.
Military Works & Services
2.20. The physical take-over of military works and services on 1st July, 1967 imposed a considerable additional work load on the accounts staff. Three clerks from H.B.M. Ministry of Public Building and Works were appointed to posts in the Accounts Section of Headquarters and their previous experience proved most useful.
2.21. The working of the new agreement between the United Kingdom and Hong Kong Governments presented a number of administrative and procedural problems but by the end of the financial year the new arrangements were working smoothly.
2.22. As shown in Appendix I total expenditure on maintenance and new services minor works for the three Services amounted to $7,296,411.36 of which $4,414,903.36 was reimbursable to the Hong Kong Government.
Accounting Services
2.23. A report on P.W.D. accounting services prepared by the Senior Treasury Accountant made recommendations for the establishment of an Accounting Services Division embracing all accounting functions and responsibilities within the Department. The report also dealt with the need to introduce up-to-date accounting systems and techniques to provide sub-departments with cost and other data, essential to efficient financial management over a wide range of P.W.D. activities.
TECHNICAL AUDIT
Chief Technical Examiner:
D. M. HARDING, F.R.I.C.S., F.I.Q.S., A.I.Arb. (from 1.7.67)
2.24. The aim of this new unit which came into operation on 1st July, is to ensure that under each sub-department's control and responsibility all work and materials are properly tendered for, all contract agreements properly entered into and all bills properly finalized. It keeps under continual review all departmental tendering, contractual procedures and controls and is available to give advice to sub-departments on contractors' claims and any other contractual matters.
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