Estimates-1956 — Page 43

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the figures for which have been proved consistently unrealistic, be abandoned in favour of a scheme of priorities. This entails the division of the approved programme into four categories, as follows:

Works which could be started during 1955-56 with the staff available.

Category A (i) (ii)

Works in progress at 1st April, 1955.

Category B

Category C

Category D

Works for which approval in principle has been given and for which sketch plans and working drawings should be proceeded with as soon as staff becomes available.

Other works considered desirable in regard to which no immediate action could be contemplated on account of the staff position or otherwise.

Minor works which could be proceeded with as and when the opportunity offers.

The programme of work arranged on this basis will be found in Appendix II to the Draft Estimates. The Subcommittee also recommended that the programme be reviewed by a Sub- committee of Finance Committee at intervals of four months when priorities would be reallocated in the light of current requirements. It is proposed to undertake the first such review in April, 1955.

143.

The estimate of $104,595,900 for 1955-56, comprising works mainly in Category A, is shown under the following main headings:

Education

Medical and Health

$ 2,654,400

3,255,000

Offices, Quarters, etc.

9,103,300

Police

3,715,000

Prisons

100,000

Public Buildings, etc.

600,000

Social Welfare

12,287,000

Roads and Bridges

5,688,000

Reclamations and Piers

6,624,700

Drainage

2,200,000

Water Supplies

36,350,000

Airport

15,589,000

Miscellaneous

6,429,500

$104,595,900

144.

Education. Progress on the Queen Elizabeth School, Kowloon has been slower than was anticipated, but it is hoped to complete the building during the forthcoming year. Work on the new Tsun Wan School is proceeding and this should also be ready for use during the year.

The only new school for which provision has been made is the Pokfulam Primary School. The primary school building programme has been given a high priority but the number of public works in progress has delayed planning of new schools.

145.

Medical and Health. It had been hoped to complete the Custodial Home in the current financial year but this has not proved possible and it is not now anticipated that the Home will be completed until 1956-57. Other items which have been delayed are the New Yaumati Market, Housemen's Quarters at Queen Mary Hospital, and the School Medical Clinic in Sai Yee Street. The only new item is in respect of latrines, shelters, etc., for the new Victoria Park at Causeway Bay,

146.

Offices, Quarters, etc. It is hoped to complete the second stage of the new Government Offices during 1955-56, on which work is already in progress, at an estimated cost of $3,000,000. Stage II of the Electrical and Mechanical Workshops is being deferred in favour of a new Public Works Department office and depot in Kowloon, required in order to maintain efficient services on the mainland. The construction of the first District Branch Office is expected to start next year at Shamshuipo and will provide accommodation for the Urban Services Department, Social Welfare Office, Labour Department, Resettlement Department, and a Post Office. Progress on the new Government Quarters at Leighton Hill and Chater Hall has fallen short of expectations but it is anticipated that these blocks of flats will be completed before the end of 1955. Work on the Government Printing Works has also fallen behind schedule but should be completed early in the new financial year.