Estimates-1956 — Page 42

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HEAD 30 - PUBLIC WORKS RECURRENT

Estimate 1955/56

Revised estimate 1954/55

Approved estimate 1954/55

Actual expenditure 1953/54

$20,960,500

20,707,000

21,031,000

19,628,634

137.

Additional funds of $100,000 are required in 1955-56 for maintenance of Government buildings, due to the larger number of buildings in use. The provision for operation of the Mechanical and Electrical Workshop has been reduced by $500,000, the existing provision of $2,000,000 having proved to be an over-estimate. Similarly, a decrease of $200,000 is shown in the vote for operation of quarries, the new provision of $2,200,000 being considered sufficient for the present production level of 240,000 tons per annum.

138.

Kai Tak Airport maintenance is estimated to cost $190,000 next year as against the current estimate of $150,000, due to increased repair work considered necessary on the runways. An increase of $50,000 in the vote for maintenance of footpaths and drainage connexions is considered desirable in view of the need to deal satisfactorily with sanitary complaints. The street lighting programme is increased from $1,700,000 to $1,850,000, being a continuation of a programme for the installation of street lamps where none exist at present and the replace- ment of existing lights which are inadequate for modern requirements. This programme is based on the recommendations of the Commissioner of Police.

139.

Token provision of $20,000 is included for salt-water mains as against the existing provision of $50,000. Expenditure on this vote is dependent entirely on the extent to which the mains are actually used for fire-fighting operations. The vote for water meters is increased by $50,000 to meet increased demands.

140.

The estimate of $500,000 in respect of compensation for surrenders and resumptions includes a revote of $443,000 for the Kowloon Tong Valley resumption. The balance of $57,000 is a token figure to cover minor resumptions not chargeable to specific public works projects. Increased provision is necessary next year for domestic and office appliances required for new Government buildings in the course of erection, expenditure being estimated at $500,000. The vote for works executed on private account is increased by $225,000 due mainly to increased work by the Roads Office in connexion with new private estates. Expenditure under this subhead is offset by equivalent revenue.

HEAD 31 PUBLIC WORKS NON-RECURRENT

Estimate 1955/56

Revised estimate 1954/55

Approved estimate 1954/55

Actual expenditure 1953/54

$104,595,900

50,094,000

68,921,350

30,607,359

141.

The revised estimate for the current year again falls short of the approved estimate by nearly $19,000,000, the principal reason being the disorganization of the approved building programme resulting from the need to rehouse the victims of the series of squatter fires which occurred during the year. Additional staff were approved during the year for the new Kowloon Hospital and for the squatter resettlement building programme, and further additional posts are included in the Draft Estimates of the Public Works Department.

142.

The capital expenditure programme was reviewed during the year by a Subcommittee of Finance Committee appointed for the purpose, and details of the revised programme will be found in the Subcommittee's Report. The Subcommittee has recommended that the present practice of arranging the building programme on the basis of a 5-year forecast of expenditure,