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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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items in the Budget. I shall take the items in the order in which the observations were made.
The hon. senior unofficial member remarked on the apparent discrepancy in the Military Contribution figures shown on pages 12 and 100 of the Estimates.
The large discrepancy between the revised 1929 estimate and the approved estimate is due to the recovery during the current year of a sum of $592,711 from the Military Authorities on account of an overpayment of Military Contribution made in 1917/1919.
Instructions from the Secretary of State to make this recovery were received early in the present year,
The sum of $3,321,768 is what we expect to pay for Military Contribution in 1929.
It is customary to show revised estimates in the Abstract on page 12 only, and to insert the original unrevised figures in the body of the Estimates.
Military Contribution has hitherto been paid on any profits which may accrue as the result of appreciation in the sterling price of investments which we realise. We have not so far paid Military Contribution on any profits due to exchange as this question is under discussion with the Secretary of State.
The hon. senior unofficial member has asked for information regarding the amount of the arrears of premia due from the Kowloon Tong Estate and the Praya East Marine Lot Holders.
The position as regards Kowloon Tong Estate is as follows:-
The total premium originally stipulated was $421,977, of which $126,856.37 has been paid to Government. It is expected that the balance $295,120.63 will be received when the houses are completed and the Crown leases issued.
With regard to the Praya East Reclamation Scheme there is still a sum of $143,219.50 due to the Government from Marine Lot Holders by way of premia.
The item on page 6 of the Estimates "Carriage, Chair, etc., Licences" will be subdivided in future Estimates as the hon. senior unofficial member suggests and Motor Licences will be shewn separate- ly. For the hon. member's information, I may add that the figure of $230,000 in next year's Estimates is made up of
Rickshaw and Chair Licenses
Truck Licenses
Motor Vehicle Licenses
$ 95,000
20,000
115,000
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