CO129-541-2 Estimates 1931 14-10-1932 - 19-7-1934 — Page 9

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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