445
expenditure on
Public Works
Sam to state that My Lords are of opinion that permanent appropriations
for that class of expenditure are objectionable. In the case of Civil List or of Pensions the annual charge may
be known beforehand, but it is otherwise with Buildings and Public Works generally, where, though the total sum to be expended may be specified in the Ordinance, the Government may within the limit spend
money at its discretion in any particular year.
Under such an arrangement "the Legislative Council is placed under
difficulties in appropriating the ordinary Revenue, because it cannot know
how much will be required for expenditure under permanent Ordinance.
My Lords consider that the amount to be expended during the year on
all Public Works should be inserted in the Estimates, including any for which provision may have been previously made by special Ordinance.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant
Page 201
EX