Estimates-1962 — Page 236

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HEAD 74 - SUBVENTIONS: MEDICAL

Estimate 1961/62

Revised estimate 1960/61

Approved estimate 1960/61

$25,247,200

21,709,000

21,811,700

18,988,424

Actual expenditure 1959/60

A sum of $19,368,200 is provided for recurrent subventions and is $3,318,100 over the previous year's estimate. This increase is distributed as follows: Alice Ho Mui Ling Nethersole Hospital ($250,000), British Red Cross Society, Blood Bank ($5,000), Haven of Hope Tuberculosis Sanatorium ($36,000), Mary- knoll Mission Hospital ($150,000), Mission to Lepers, Hong Kong Auxiliary ($25,000), Pok Oi Hospital ($76,000), St. John Ambulance Brigade ($10,000), Tung Wah and Associated Hospitals ($2,750,000). An initial sum of $16,200 is provided for a pilot scheme for rural sanitation in the New Territories. This subsidy is intended as a Government contribution, payable monthly to small villages, towards the cost of staff and equipment employed on sanitation work.

The total provision for Special Expenditure is $5,879,000, an increase of $117,400 from last year's figure. The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong is given a special grant of $25,000 for the purchase of furniture and equipment for their new Kowloon Headquarters. $140,000 provided last year for road- surfacing at Hei Ling Chau was not spent and is shown as a revote this year.

Government has accepted the financial commitments involved in a dollar for dollar capital sub- vention towards the cost of building a new 100-bed hospital in Tsuen Wan, up to a maximum contribution of $750,000 $250,000 is provided to meet expected expenditure during 1961/62. A recurrent subvention towards running costs will also be given when the hospital is in operation.

Government has approved the grant of 27 acres of land on Shek Kwu Chau for the establish- ment of a centre for the aid, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts. This Centre will be run by an independent organization which is in the course of being incorporated. The funds provided under Subhead 31, together with $10,000 approved by Special Warrant during 1960/61, will enable a pier, seawall and water supply to be installed prior to the construction of the Centre.

HEAD 75 — SUBVENTIONS: EDUCATION

Estimate 1961/62

Revised estimate 1960/61

Approved estimate 1960/61

$85,968,800

69,220,000

72,436,500

54,473,357

Actual expenditure 1959/60

Normal promotions and increments, expansion of existing schools, and opening of further schools have required a total increase of $3,990,000 in the recurrent subvention to grant and subsidized schools. The introduction of the Subsidized Schools Provident Fund, requires a sum of $1,900,000.

The increase in the number of Hong Kong students in the United Kingdom has necessitated an increase in the provision for the Amenities Fund for Colonial Students.

The total estimated grant to the three post-secondary colleges has been increased by $1,000,000.

This is necessary for their development and expansion.

Approval was given by special warrant during the year for assistance to selected teachers and pupils in private schools. Appropriate provision has now been made for these payments and other approved forms of aid to private schools.

HEAD 76 — SUBVENTIONS:

Estimate 1961/62

Revised estimate 1960/61

Approved estimate 1960/61

Actual expenditure 1959/60

MISCELLANEOUS

$3,213,400

2,360,000

2,845,900

2,116,804

Substantially increased provisions have been included under this Head for two organizations. An increased recurrent subvention is provided for the Federation of Hong Kong Industries to meet its estimated deficit for the first full year of operation since its incorporation. The sum provided under Special Expenditure is intended for fitting out its new accommodation in the United Chinese Bank Building. A higher subvention is also provided for the Hong Kong Tourist Association in order that it may develop its activities. These increases are offset by the deletion of the subhead for the Fisheries Research Unit, consequent on the transfer of that Unit from the University of Hong Kong to the Co-operative Development and Fisheries Depart- ment (Head 28).

A special subvention is provided for the Royal Life Saving Society to enable the Hong Kong Branch to send one representative to the Commonwealth Conference of the Society in London in July, 1961.