Estimates-1956 — Page 37

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to assist in the rehabilitation of boys from the Stanley Training Centre and the new Training Centre at Tung Tau Wan. This work is considered to be a most important aspect of the treat- ment of juvenile delinquents. In addition to the 2 posts of Trade Instructor required for Tung Tau Wan Training Centre a further 6 are considered necessary, 5 at Stanley Prison in place of 5 Warders, to instruct prisoners in tailoring, rattan work, bamboo work and shoemaking, and 1 at Stanley Training Centre to instruct inmates in mechanics. The only other changes in the vote are in respect of the addition of items for plain clothes allowances formerly provided for in the vote for uniforms and meal allowances formerly included in the travelling expenses vote.

116.

These changes, together with normal increments and salaries revision, account for the increase of $334,697 in the vote for Personal Emoluments.

117.

Under Other Charges, a new item is included for disbursement of welfare dona- tions. This is for money donated for welfare purposes in connexion with the Training Centres and expenditure will be limited to the amount actually received, no net cost to Government being involved. Additional funds of $10,000 are required in the vote for the Prisoners Earnings Scheme, which was underestimated in the current financial year, and $500 for additional books for the prison library. A decrease of $50,000 is shown in the vote for subsistence of prisoners and $5,000 in the vote for fuel, light and power, previously overestimated. The votes for travelling expenses and uniforms are reduced in respect of meal allowances and plain clothes allowances now provided for under Personal Emoluments.

118.

Special Expenditure includes a revote of $7,000 for body-building in respect of two 3-ton lorries and $34,000 for 2 replacement lorries. $1,500 is provided for a new camera and $1,500 for an underground cable between the Commissioner of Prisons' Office and other offices. The provision of $100,000 for workshop machinery and equipment includes sewing machines, shoemaking machinery, wood working machines and a tinsmith's bending and folding machine. This additional machinery will enable the Prisons to accept more Government orders and will enable prisoners to be trained in useful trades which will stand them in good stead on discharge.

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HEAD 26 · - PUBLIC DEBT

Estimate 1955/56

$3,335,600

Revised estimate 1954/55

3,361,000

Approved estimate 1954/55

3,363,110

3,766,043

119.

Actual expenditure 1953/54

No significant change is shown under this Head. The decrease of $27,510 as compared with the approved estimate for 1954/55 is largely due to reduced interest payments arising from partial redemption of the 1934 and 1940 31% Dollar Loans.

HEAD 27 — PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

Estimate 1955/56

$511,250

Revised estimate 1954/55

559,000

Approved estimate 1954/55

484,687

Actual expenditure 1953/54

506,979

1954/55 1955/56

Difference

Permanent staff

Supernumerary staff

42

42

2

Although the total number of posts in the permanent establishment remains unaltered, certain changes have been made in the pensionable establishment. 2 posts of Assistant Press Officer formerly shown as pensionable are now shown as non-pensionable, since it is not

120.