CO129-576-10 Estimates 1940 6-10-1939 - 22-10-1940 — Page 10

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The revised estimate for 1939 is well beyond any figure previously attained; the 1940 Estimate (on a 12-month basis) is about $800,000 less, but that for the first 3 months of 1941 is at a rate 12%

higher than the revenue for 1939.

Apart from the petrol and li quor duties already mentioned, only two important items seem to have been increased for special reasons. They are Opium Sales ($350,000 to $1,000,000) on account of the shortage of illicit opium (this also will cease with more stable conditions in China) and Postage ($2,800,000 to $3,800,000) on account of a proposed issue of special Centenary Stamps.

I have not so far seen any specific

proposals about the latter.

EXPENDITURE.

Comparative figures for the years from

1930 onwards are on p.15 of the Estimates.

for the 3 previous years were:

Those

1927

1928

1929

20,845,064

21,230,242

21,983,256

The revised estimate for 1939 is 8% higher than in

any previous year, and that for 1940/41 is 12% higher still, on a 12-month basis.

This does not include capital expenditure

on waterworks.

The various individual increases of any importance, apart from the additional amounts since

inserted

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