226
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
Increased Shipping Charges.
As regards the increase in shipping charges, I fully appreciate that it is undesirable to make such charges unduly heavy in a port like this, which depends so much on its shipping for its prosperity. At the same time, the argument can be overdone, and there is no reason either why fair charges should not be imposed, or why the imposition of such fair charges should have any marked influence on the shipping using this port. I realise that shipping, in common with trade, is passing through a time of depression, but the additional amount to be paid, when spread over the large number of ships affected, will mean a very small average increase. The present charges were imposed when the dollar was 2s. 6d., and the revised rates are no more than is fair in view of the fall in the dollar. It may be an exaggeration to say that most of the dollar companies have raised their rates, but some undoubtedly have, while a large number of the ships using the port belong to companies working on a sterling basis, which certainly cannot reasonably complain of what I am convinced is a perfectly equitable rise. I have not considered whether it is possible to discriminate in respect of buoy charges between coastal and ocean-going steamers. I doubt it, but will go into the matter.
As regards the suggestion that the fees be reduced if the position at some future date justifies it, I can only say that I cannot possibly give an undertaking which would fetter my successors, but of course it is always open to reconsider any form of taxation at any time, should it appear to be either too onerous or impolitic. I hope that the shipping industry's back will be sufficiently strong to carry the extra straw that has been placed upon it.
Cost of Personal Emoluments.
As regards expenditure, naturally there have been considerable increases to meet the increased dollar cost of sterling salaries, and of purchases made in sterling. I can assure honourable members, however, that the greatest economy consistent with efficiency is being exercised. In this connexion I should like to make reference to what I consider to be fallacious comparisons between the figures of establishments for 1930 and 1931. The tendency is to take the cost of personal emoluments based on 1s. 10d. to the dollar for 1930, ignore the vote of $420,000 for high cost of living and make the smaller figure the basis of comparison with the figure for 1931, which was estimated on a 1s. 4d. dollar and in which estimates no figure appears for high cost of living allowance. I have not seen any figures and I do not know if the Colonial Treasurer has them, but I think if figures were got out, showing what the late system of salaries would have cost, with the approved high cost of living allowances, and at 1s. 4d., the new basis of salaries would not show nearly as high an increase as is generally believed to be the case.
81
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.