Estimates-1956 — Page 24

19

61.

The additional 16 posts in the establishment comprise 23 new posts less 7 existing posts deleted, as follows:-

New posts.

8 Senior Firemen

6 Firemen Drivers

1 Launch Engineer Class I

5 Motor Mechanics

1 Coxswain Class II

1 Launch Engineer Class II

1 Seaman

23

Existing posts deleted.

1 Sub Officer

1 Chief Launch Engineer

5 Fitters

1-1

7

Of these posts, 2 Senior Firemen are needed for leave relief purposes and 6 Senior Firemen and 6 Firemen Drivers are required for the 6 Land-Rover appliances to be acquired for the New Territories. The Coxswain, Launch Engineer Class II and Seaman were approved during the year. The Launch Engineer Class I replaces a Chief Launch Engineer who retired during the year and the existing establishment of 5 Fitters has been amalgamated with that of Motor Mechanics in view of the similarity of the duties performed. No change of salary is involved. The post of Sub Officer originally created for the Ambulance Service is no longer required as one Station Officer has been found sufficient for the control of this Unit. These changes, together with normal increments and salaries revision, account for the increase of $457,684 in the vote for Personal Emoluments.

62.

Under Other Charges, a new subhead has been created for Cable and Wireless Charges, formerly provided for under Head 19, Miscellaneous Services. These charges are for maintenance of radio equipment installed in fire stations and on fire appliances, including "pack sets". It has been found necessary to provide additional funds of $1,000 for fuel, light and power and $3,000 for travelling expenses, both on account of the Ambulance Service which is costing rather more than was originally estimated. An additional $5,000 will be required for upkeep of fire appliances and running expenses of vehicles as a consequence of the purchase of 6 Land-Rover appliances for the New Territories.

63.

The only new item under Special Expenditure is $80,000 for 4 Land Rover appliances to complete the establishment of 6 such vehicles considered necessary for the New Territories in view of the rapid building development taking place. These vehicles will be stationed at Un Long, Sheung Shui, Tsun Wan and Tai Po.

HEAD 12 INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT

Estimate 1955/56

$2,719,220

Revised estimate 1954/55

2,369,000

Approved estimate 1954/55

2,476,792

Actual expenditure 1953/54

2,350,247

1954/55 1955/56

Difference

Permanent staff

Supernumerary staff

234

2

239

17

+ 5

+15

64.

A reorganization of the Department was approved in principle during the year, involving the creation of 3 posts of Chief Assessor and 25 posts of Assessor with effect from 1st April, 1955 in place of the existing establishment of 14 Assessors Grade I and 13 Assessors Grade II. It is proposed to follow the United Kingdom practice in regard to the new grade of Assessor whereby the normal method of recruitment will be the selection of candidates with