58
-9-
to constables. This was not keeping pace with the expansion of the Force, and was very much below that ruling in
Singapore and Malaya. The necessary adjustments were made in Select Committee.
29.
The Police Force as a whole shows an increase in expenditure of over $14 million, most of which occurs under Other Charges. The reason for this is that as the Force grows in size, so must the cost of clothing and equipment rise in proportion, though part of the increase in that vote is due to the necessity to provide uniforms for increasing numbers of Special Constables and Police Reservists. The Colony is extremely fortunate in having this not inconsiderable volunteer reserve, as without it further expansion of the regular Force would he necessary.
30.
The Police Force is now costing just under $17 million, which is admittedly a very large sum, but the public do realise that they receive an adequate return for their money, and that it is only as a result of intensive security measures that the present situation can be kept under control. The provision of quarters for the Police rank and file has been pressed forward, and provision amounting to an additional $5 million for a further block of quarters has been included under Public Works Non-Recurrent. A re-vote has also been included for the blockhouse at Shau Tau Kok which it was not possible to erect during 1950/51 owing to difficulties over the site.
31.
The control of broadcasting has been transferred from the Postmaster-General to the Public Relations Officer, and now appears under the latter Head. The provision in the printed estimates is largely unchanged, except for a small increase in the total expenditure. However, it is proposed to introduce certain improvements during the year, including some extension of broadcasting hours, which will provide for the issue of a news bulletin at breakfast time. This will involve some increase in staff, but details had not be en worked out sufficiently for anv provision to be included in the estimates. The proposals will he considered by Finance Committee in due course. The staff of the Public Relations Office has been strengthened by the appointment of two Sub- Editors, two additional Women Confidential Assistants and a Librarian.
32.
In addition to the expenditure provided for under the Appropriation Bill, expenditure from Loan Funds has been continued but necessarily on a more modest scale as these funds are nearing their end. The amount of $174 million shown as available for expenditure during the coming year chiefly represents unspent balances which will gradually be re-allocated, and commitments in the shape of equipment, largely new rolling stock for the Railway, which was indented for some years ago and which is gradually coming forward. Up to the 31st March, 1950, expenditure from Loan funds amounted to $109,547,525 and it is estimated that by the 31st March, 1951, this figure may have been increased to $124,891,483. A separate schedule has been included in the estimates showing the loan expenditure which has already been charged off to expenditure during the financial year 1950/51.
33.
No provision has been made in the estimates for the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir scheme, but this question has
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.