CO129-623-9 Estimates of Expenditure- includes a report for the year ending March 1952 1-2-1951 - 30-11-1951 — Page 163

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The Committee accepts the recommendation of the Director of Education that allowances paid to uncertificated teachers in training should be calculated on the basis of the financial status of the trainee and recommends a token reduction

to $210,000 of the provision for this subhead. It notes that the provision of $7,200 for Upkeep of vehicles has been incorrectly shown and should be included in the provision for Travelling expenses.

As a result of the decision to concentrate in 1951/52 on the construction of a Teachers' Training College, the provision under Special Expenditure for Equipment and furniture for Government schools can be reduced from $348,060 to $214,060.

HEAD 14

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KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY

The Committee recommends a reduction of $5,344 for

Personal Emoluments in respect of vacant posts.

HEAD 15

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LABOUR DEPARTMENT

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The Committee recommends the restoration of departmental vehicles to the Labour Department and the consequent provisions of $2,680 for two posts of Motor Drivers and $1,600 for Upkeep of vehicles. These vehicles were originally handed over to the transport pool on the recommendation of the Government Motor Transport Committee but experience has proved that this arrangement is unsatisfactory.

HEAD 18 MARINE DEPARTMENT

The Committee supports the proposed regrading of an Electrician as a Foreman Class II.

HEAD 19 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT

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The staff required for the new Kowloon hospital wards had not been worked out in detail when the datimates were prepared. It is now recommended that these posts, together with a number of minor changes, should be provided for under Personal Emoluments.

The Committee recommends the provision of $360,000 for a Schools health service. This expenditure is covered by revenue and an appropriate adjustment in the revenue estimates can be made. The Committee agrees to a reduction of $8,000 in the provision for Repairs and upkeep of stores, plant, and equipment.

HEAD 20

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

The Public Relations Officer explained to the Committee his proposals for re-organizing the arrangements for film censorship and an increased provision of $50,000 is necessary for this subhead.

The revised estimated expenditure on cost of living allowances in 1950/51 was made available to members and, in the light of this information, it is considered desirable to increase the provision for this subhead from $31,000,000 to $32,000,000. This recommendation does not arise from the proposals, at present under consideration, to consolidate part of the cost of living allowance into basic salary.

HEAD 21 NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

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The Committee supports the proposal of the District