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I think we might draw attention to the
suggestion contained in our despatch commenting
upon the Estimates for 1932 ( (15) on 82850/31/
that expenditure on the new gaol should
eventually be charged directly to surplus
balances instead of to loan.
It now seems probable that the payment
of $500,000 by the Hong Kong Goverment to
Admiralty which is due to be made on the 1st
of January, will have to be held up pending
settlement of details regarding the military
aerial ropeway which at present runs across
the site. Steps are being taken on
92608/32 to get the War office to come to a
decision regarding this matter as soon as
possible.
Excluding expenditure of $5,000,000
already met from the Public Works Loan Account,
loan commitments s(if the charging of the
Tytam Tuk catchwaters to loan account is
approved) will amount to $19,635,413.
$3,484,014 had been advanced from surplus
balances up to the end of 1931 and it is
estimated that $4,871,015 will have been
advanced out of surplus balances bythe end
of 1932.
It was suggested in the Debate that
further money could be raised, without
detriment, by increasing the betting tax.
I don't think we need comment on the
provision made for additional wireless equipment to which reference is made in (3). No decision has yet been reeached as to the taking over of the service by I.C.I. Ltd.
We shall no doubt hear later what steps are proposed for the raising of a local loan
No reply seems necessary to (3)
Telegraph