Estimates-1956 — Page 32

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96. prises :-

The net increase of 8 posts in the permanent and temporary establishment com-

2 Clerks

1 Woman Confidential Assistant (part-time) 4 Demarcators

1 Motor Driver

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The Clerks are required on account of the increasing volume of work in the District Offices and the part-time Woman Confidential Assistant is needed for the District Officer, South, who is at present without such assistance. The additional Demarcators are required for the purpose of controlling the unauthorized occupation of Crown land in the New Territories, a problem which may assume serious proportions if it is not attended to. In this connexion, it is proposed to appoint a further 2 Land Bailiffs in the Public Works Department, each of whom will be assisted by 2 Demarcators in carrying out these duties. The post of Motor Driver is required for a formerly daily-rated employee who now qualifies for transfer to the monthly-paid establishment in accordance with the approved policy. These changes, together with normal increments and salaries revision, account for the increase of $52,160 in the vote for Personal Emoluments.

97.

Under Other Charges, the vote for care and control of beaches is increased by $4,000 in order to provide life-saving equipment and latrine accommodation for New Territories beaches. Travelling expenses will increase in consequence of the appointment of additional Land Bailiffs and Demarcators, a further $20,000 being required. Savings of $2,700 are shown in the vote for daily-rated staff on account of the transfer of a Motor Driver to the monthly paid establishment.

98.

Special Expenditure includes $10,000 for further terracing, channelling etc., in the new urn cemetery at Cheung Chau. Provision of $1,800 is made for a duplicator to replace an existing machine which is worn out and $11,500 for a replacement for the Departmental car.

Estimate 1955/56

HEAD 21 - PENSIONS

Revised estimate 1954/55 Approved estimate 1954/55

$13,797,000

12,220,000

12,196,000

10,909,466

99.

Actual expenditure 1953/54

Expenditure on pensions and gratuities cannot be forecast with great accuracy since it depends on a number of uncertain factors. For this reason, the estimate for 1954/55 is likely to prove short of actual requirements by $24,000.

100.

The increase of approximately $1 millions in the provision for 1955/56 arises mainly from increased benefits payable under the salaries revision. Other factors are the increased rates of commuted pension gratuities introduced in April, 1954, and the greater number of pensions payable as a consequence of further retirements. A new subhead was created during the year in respect of compensation payable under the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance, 1953. The provision of $15,000 for 1955/56 is a token figure.

HEAD 22A – HONG KONG POLICE

Estimate 1955/56

$38,705,000

Revised estimate 1954/55 Approved estimate 1954/55

36,806,000

37,750,179

Actual expenditure 1953/54

31,802,576

1954/55 1955/56

Difference

Permanent staff Temporary staff

Net increase

Supernumerary staff

6,157

6,318

+ 161

1

+

2

163

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