CO129-597-2 Estimates 1949 1-3-1948 - 14-7-1949 — Page 234

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Provision has been included under Personal Emoluments for six stokers for the Fire Floats. Those posts cxisted before the war but have not been filled since the reoccupation of the Colony.

Sovoral ships have, however, been on fire in the harbour during the past year and it is considered necessary that the Fire Brigade should be in a position to man two Fire Floats simultaneously should the situation so demand. To do this six stokers will be nocossary.

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um of $65,000 has been included under Special Expenditure for a new fire engine. This is required to replace a pro-war ongino, bought in 1922, which has been in use since the reoccupation and for which spare parts are no longer obtainable. The replacement is not, theroforo, a proper chargo against loan funds. A sum of $40,000 is also included under Special Expenditure for the installation of additional fire hydrants.

Head 10. Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force

Estimate 1948/49

Revised Estimato 1947/48 Approved Estimate 1947/48

Actual Expenditure 1946/47

$3,250

2.871

4,978

3,885

This is in the nature of a token vote as the future of the Force is still under consideration.

Head 11.

Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps

Estimato 1948/49

Revised Estimate 1947/48

Approved Estimate 1917/18

Actual Expendituro 1946/47

$330,936

62,900

2

74,611 28,791

Provision of $201,500 has been included for the re-commencement of training on a limited scale.

Head 12.

Imports & Exports Department

Estimates 1948/49

Revised Estimate 1947/48

Approved Estimate 1947/48

Actual Expendituro 1946/47

$1,220,714

560,885

612,957 475,188

Provision has been included for a combined establishment of 85 Revenuo Inspectors and junior Revenue Officers as compared with the present figure of 39. This increase of 46 is considered necessary to safeguard the rovonuc from import dutios as evasion has increased since these dutios were raised. It is hoped that as those additional Rovenue Inspectors on the higher grade are recruited it will be possible gradually to reduce the number of Revenue Officers on the 8960 to $1800 grade.

Hoad 13. Inland Revenue Department

Estimate 1948/49

Revised Estimate 1947/48 Approved Estimate 1947/48

Actual Expenditure 1946/47

$672,665

340,198

341,008

9,423

Practically no expenditure was incurred on this department in 1946/47 as preparations for its formation were only commenced