Estimates-1960 — Page 193

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The net result of the staff increases together with normal increments account for an increase of $616,400 in the vote for Personal Emoluments.

Under Other Charges Annually Recurrent, the setting up of a new prison at Tai Lam for drug addicts is reflected in additional provisions under a number of subheads: this mainly accounts for the net increase in expenditure of $287,500.

Under Special Expenditure a sum of $91,000 is provided for workshop machinery and equipment: again mainly for Tai Lam Prison.

HEAD 25 PUBLIC DEBT

$3,025,610

3,249,000

3,247,710

3,276,765

Estimate 1959/60

Revised estimate 1958/59

Approved estimate 1958/59

Actual expenditure 1957/58

The decrease of $222,100 as compared with the approved estimate for 1958/59 is largely accounted for by the final redemption of the 34% Dollar Loan 1934 falling due on 15th July, 1959.

HEAD 26 — PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

Estimate 1959/60

Revised estimate 1958/59

Approved estimate 1958/59

Actual expenditure 1957/58

Permanent staff

$733,600

725,000

758,800

618,337

1958/59 1959/60

Difference

53

53

There are no staff changes under this Head.

The Department expects to remove to the West Wing, Central Government Offices, in April 1959, and therefore provision of rent for one month only is required. Charges for fuel, light and power will be met from Head 28 after the move.

HEAD 27 — PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION

Estimate 1959/60

$37,700

Revised estimate 1958/59

Approved estimate 1958/59

Actual expenditure 1957/58

38,000

29,400

34,914

1958/59 1959/60

Difference

Permanent staff

4

5

+1

Net increase

1

New post

1 Confidential Assistant*

1

* Approved by Special Warrant during the year.

The additional post of Confidential Assistant was approved as from 1st July, 1958, to deal with the increasing volume of work. This new post, together with normal increments, accounts for the increase in the vote for personal emoluments.