-23-
198
both of which were under-estimated in 1950/51, $40,000 for telegrams, 14,720 for the Hong Kong Government office in London consequent on its increased activities, 9,000 for film
censorship, and 5,000 for bonuses for examinations.
Three new sub-heads appear for the first time. Provision of $41,000 is made for recruiting expenses which was formerly provided for departmentally. As most of these charges are Crown Agents' accounts for advertising and examining candidates, it was decided that it would be more convenient to deal with them under this Head. For over a year band concerts have been given in the Botanic Gardens and the provision of $17,000 is now shown in the body of the estimates. A Hong Kong Students Liaison Officer has been operating in the United Kingdom since late in 1949 and provision of 38,936 is now included for this service. number of small savings are made under other sub-heads and include $50,000 for rent of non-departmental accommodation, $10,000 for other miscellaneous services, $8,000 for Public Services Commission expenses, $5,600 for rent and compensation for premises leased to the public, and $2,000 for interest. It has been decided that it is more appropriate for departments to provide for the cost of courses of instruction abroad attended by their officers and the provision of $20,000 under Miscellaneous Services for this sub-head has been deleted. The closing of the Hong Kong Government Agency in India results also in the saving of 10,000.
It has still not been possible completely to
finalize outstanding matters connected with occupation period salaries and ex-gratia awards, post occupation claims, and the reinstatement of pre-war deposits. Re-votes under these three sub-heads are necessary but show a total reduction of $152,500. As part of the Hong Kong contribution to the 1951 Festival of Britain a sum of $2,400 is allocated for refurbishing the Hong Kong Court at the Imperial Institute.
two The remaining/sub-heads under Special Expenditure more than account for the increase of $12,099,900 on non- recurrent expenditure. A contribution of 16,000,000 was made in 1950/51 towards the cost of reinforcing the garrison. This expenditure was not provided for in the current estimates because the financial negotiations with the United Kingdom were not opened until after the beginning of the financial year. The 1951/52 figure of $8,500,000 is a provisional sum. The final figure will b. determined after negotiation with the Imperial Government, but it is considered that, amongst other factors, it should be determined, in the light of the burden represented by local expenditure on security and defence generally and in
particular by the heavy re-votes amounting to $7,700,000 for civil measures for defence. Half of this total is provided under Miscellaneous Services for equipment
and services and the remaining half under Public Works Non-Recurrent for works.
Expenditure on Miscellaneous Services is therefore
higher than last year by $11,502,956.
Head 21. New Territories District Administration.
Estimate 1951/52.
Revised Estimate 1950/51. Approved Estimate 1950/51. Actual Expenditure 1949/50.
$397,661
405,336
383,208
367,938