Estimates-1956 — Page 14

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HEAD 5 — CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT

Estimate 1955/56

Revised estimate 1954/55

$3,298,800

2,234,000

Approved estimate 1954/55

2,139,108

Actual expenditure 1953/54

2,061,116

1954/55

1955/56

Difference

Permanent staff

Supernumerary staff

239

266

+ 27

1

19.

The increase of 27 posts in the establishment comprises 30 new posts less 3 existing posts deleted, as follows:-

1 Clerk

New posts.

2 Briefing Officers

10 Communicators, Class III

(pensionable)

1 Airport Fire Officer

2 Assistant Airport Fire Officers

4 Firemen Drivers

10 Firemen

30.

Existing posts deleted.

2 Communicators, Class III

(non-pensionable)

1 Fire Sub Officer

| co |

Of the new posts, the Airport Fire Officer, Assistant Airport Fire Officers, 2 Firemen Drivers and 4 Firemen were approved during the year as a result of reorganization of the airport fire services. The additional 2 Firemen Drivers and 6 Firemen are required to man an additional vehicle and to bring the total fire service establishment up to full strength.

20.

Increasing departmental activity requires the services of an extra Clerk, and 2 Briefing Officers are necessary for duty at the Aeronautical Information Centre at the Airport in order to enable the Colony to fulfil its obligations to the International Civil Aviation Organization. Existing officers have been undertaking these duties as a makeshift up to the present, which was proved detrimental to their own duties, and it is not possible to continue these unsatisfactory arrangements any longer. 10 non-pensionable Communicators have been transferred to the pensionable establishment and an additional eight non-pensionable Com- municators are required for the increasing volume of telecommunication work.

21.

These changes in establishment, together with normal increments and salaries revision, account for the increase of $283,998 in the vote for Personal Emoluments.

22.

Under Other Charges, a new vote has been created for Cable and Wireless Charges, formerly provided for in a block vote under Head 19-Miscellaneous Services. The only other substantial increases are in respect of stores and equipment, $35,000, on account of fire- extinguishing materials required for the reorganized fire service and rent of quarters and offices, $31,340, necessary in consequence of additional leased quarters and increased rents payable under the Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. Other changes arise from increased departmental activities generally.

23.

Special Expenditure includes $4,000 for a power saw and accessories for rescue purposes, $11,500 for a Land Rover mobile generating set for operating the power saw, and $2,600 for a chronometer required in consequence of a general increase in the use of astro- navigation by pilots. The remaining items are in respect of replacements or revotes.