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of the Marine Department in respect of lighters and barges, which it has been necessary to replace and also in respect of a re-vote to cover the completion of the new fire float. This fire float has turned out to be rather more expensive than. was originally expected, but it was considered that a port of the importance of Hong Kong should be equipped with thoroughly efficient and up to date fire fighting services.
18.
This year's Special Expenditure is further swollen by a new item of over $24 million under the Social Welfare Office to cover the cost of the camp for destitute Nationalist ex soldiers. There is also an increase of $1 million under the Fire Brigade Special Expenditure in respect of additional fire fighting equipment, and $2 million under the Defence Force Special Expenditure, also in respect of new equipment. It is hoped, however, that this latter increase will be off- set by a refund in respect of certain other equipment to be returned to Ordnance. There is an increase too of nearly $1 million in Special Expenditure under Subventions in respect of buildings and equipment grants to Non-Government schools.
19.
Points calling for comment in the departmental expenditure estimates have been dealt with in detail in the memorandum on the estimates, copies of which are enclosed with this despatch, but there are certain developments to which I snould like to draw your attention.
20.
In the course of the last few years, the number of schemes submitted involving capital expenditure was naturally greatly in excess of the number for which it was possible to make provision. Further projects were submitted for consideration in connection with the 1951/52 estimates, and it was therefore decided to appoint a sub-committee of Finance Committee to advise on the relative priorities of the various schemes, and to fit them into a five year programme. The total cost of the schemes which had been submitted at various times for consideration was very high indeed, and it was clear that only a proportion of them could be carried out within a reasonable period. Some had little merit, but those worthy of careful consideration represented more work than could possibly be compressed into five years. A programme was drawn up which covered those schemes which, in the opinion of the committee, were the most important, though some quite desirable ones had to be deferred. The programme represents the maximum which it was considered that the Colony could afford to find out of revenue for capital works, and it also represents the maximum which the Public Works Department can be expected to supervise successfully. This programe is included as an appendix to the estimates, and the first year's instalment forms the basis of the provision for Public Works Non-Recurrent included therein. The various works provided for during the current year have been fully explained on pages 29 to 31 of the estimates' memorandum, and I do not wish to over-burden this despatch by further comment, though I will touch on some of the most important in my comments on some of the departmental expenditure estimates.
21.
The temporary departments created to meet special needs immediately after the re-occupation have almost disappeared. The appointment of Custodian of Property is still necessary, but the department is only a shadow of its former self, and it has been placed under the administrative
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