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million, although staff costs absorbing 64% of our expenditure may and probably will rapidly erode this surplus in time.
It might be reasonable to assume that revenue will grow again in the future, but probably not at the rate as for next year. The time is therefore right, I am following your example, for a thorough review of our aspirations on projects. The Chairman has suggested that some at present outside our list, perhaps those that could be expanded in scope or dimension, for example, the creation of new and imaginative recreational areas on hillside open spaces, the Ho Man Tin Football Stadium, which Kowloon has been crying out for years, new swimming pools we mentioned and, of course, the acceleration of our present capital works programme could be considered. I am sure the various Select Committees would welcome the opportunity to review their plans.
To do all this, we need the assistance not only in the professional field, but especially in the departmental Planning Unit which, unless expanded to cope with the demand, will inevitably become a bottleneck slowing up progress. As most of us know there are inhibiting factors in our ability to expand our works. Some of these are the availability of sites for small projects. You, yourself, Mr. Chairman, have referred to the capacity of the Architectural Office of the P.W.D. to cope, not only with our expanded demand, but at the same time, the enormous increase in the Central Government's demand on accelerated progress. But I would like to think that, through the influence of some of our colleagues in Government, particularly the Public Works Committee of the Legislative Council, will be reminded not to overlook the fact that our programme helped to keep the Architectural Office going through a bad spell in 1974-75 when Government's own project programme was ruthlessly slashed to ribbons. I am saying this just in case our projects get pushed to the rear in the struggle for the professional talents in the Public Works Department. There may well be a case for the use of other professional consultant firms and this will be examined by the Works Planning Committee tomorrow morning. We will also consider setting up our own Works Section and that of course will take a great deal of time because we will be competing for the available talent outside the Government sector and with the P.W.D. itself who will also be looking for available talent. One of the advantages of the Public Works Department, apart from the disadvantages you mentioned, is that they do know our requirements. I think it is important to assure ourselves so that the outside public are re-assured that we will spend not only well, but wisely. With these remarks, I have much pleasure in seconding the motion.
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MR. TSIN SAI-NIN (in Cantonese): - Mr. Chairman, referring to staff costs, you mentioned how, in 4 years', our burden has increased to 68%. Naturally we must pay our staff sufficient money so that they will serve us well, but is there any wastage, is there any imbalance in the salary scales between the senior and junior staff? Does discrepancy exist? I believe that although the budget seems more favourable this year than last year, last year the staff cost amounted to 80% and this year is 68%. Referring to revenue, we have increased from $300 million to $500 million. Still I suspect there is wastage in staff cost. I suggest that we should look into any discrepancies or wastage.
CHAIRMAN (in English): - If no other Member wishes to speak, may I thank Mr. FORSGATE who has spoken so wisely as the Chairman of the Works Planning Select Committee. We depend very much on the success of that Select Committee to spend money on projects under Part IV of our budget. And also, I would like to thank Mr. TSIN, who is the Chairman of the Establishment Sub-Committee, for sharing with me his concern about staff matters under the Administration Select Committee. In that respect, the Chairman of that Select Committee, Mr. MACKENZIE, is also very strictly watching the situation.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
4.49 P.M.
CHAIRMAN (in English): - The meeting stands adjourned until Tuesday, 7th December 1976 at 2.30 p.m.
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