EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant-contd. K.-Payments by patients and visitors fell off as there were fewer patients in residence than provided for. The estimate for rents allowed for payment of property tax, which was not, however, claimed. Receipts for use of telephones Miscellaneous (key subscriptions, lavatory receipts, sale of old materials, refuse, &c.) In addition, the sum of 961. 14s. -d. was received from sale of guide books for transfer to the Stationery Office. NOTES. 61. 12s. 6d., due from a former patient at Osborne, was written off, the debtor being without means to pay (S.25389). It is not possible to allocate accurately the amount of the expenditure on the Convalescent Home and the State Apartments. The apportionment is, approximately, Convalescent Home, 10,1801. and State Apartments, 5,3301. H.M. Office of Works, 17 November 1925. Lionel Earle, I have examined the above Account in accordance with the provisions of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act, 1921. I have obtained all the information and explanations that I have required, and I certify, as the result of my audit, that in my opinion the above Account is correct. Malcolm G. Ramsay, Comptroller and Auditor General. STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON NEW WORKS, &c., 1924–25. ROYAL PARKS AND PLEASURE GARDENS. ACCOUNT of the Sum Expended, in the Year ended 31 March 1925, compared with the Sum Granted, for Expenditure in respect of the ROYAL PARKS and PLEASURE Gardens. EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant. A. Due to the payment of gratuities amounting to 2001. to the Superintendents and Foremen of certain parks for the supervision of Unemployment Relief works, and to minor variations. B. The principal saving is in respect of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh (761.). An area in the west of Scotland intended for experimental purposes was not brought into use until after the close of the year and there was, therefore, no expenditure incurred on visits of inspection. There was less travelling in connexion with parks in London and the vicinity than provided for. C. Due to the introduction of a less expensive type of uniform, and to vacancies remaining unfilled. D. Several posts remained vacant during portions of the year. E. Additional police were required to control the traffic resulting from the admission of taxi-cabs to Hyde Park. F. See Statement of New Works. G. Changes made in the programme of work reduced expenditure. GG. The expenditure on New Works failed to reach expectation (see Statement of New Works). The saving of 4,4401. under this section was offset to the extent of 2,8461. by the additional cost of maintenance services. I. The cost of coke for the greenhouses was higher than anticipated. J. Saving consequent upon the surrender of the Crown Wharf, Regent's Park (1207), the decrease of Ministers' stipends payable in respect of Holyrood Park and Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, and other small variations. KK. 301., payment to the owner of an estate adjoining Duddingston Loch, Edinburgh, as compensation for the loss of rent sustained through the withdrawal, in the interests of the public using the Loch, of sporting rights formerly enjoyed by him (S.19710). 11. 5s. 10d., two payments for damage to motor vehicles. Receipts from tennis courts, Regents Park EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant-contd. Appropriations in Aid and Receipts payable to Exchequer : Rents, including freebord rents and wayleaves Grazing rents Key subscriptions The Maze, Hampton Court Gardens Licences for letting chairs The increase under the head of Rents was due to increases in freebord rents (3407.), to additional receipts not contemplated when the estimate was framed (2007), to receipts for football pitches, swings, &c., exceeding the provision (1801.), and to payment by the contractors for wood block paving in the Mall in respect of interest on the cost of postponed repairs (6707). Grazing rents can only be estimated approximately. Receipts from Refreshment Licences vary with the business done, the payment by the Licensee being based upon a fixed rent, plus a percentage of gross takings. Miscellaneous receipts cannot be closely estimated. Admission Fees to the Vinery, Hampton Court Gardens, produced 1,2001. against an estimate of 9001. EXTRA REMUNERATION (exceeding 50%.). An Executive Officer (1001.-4001.) received the salary appropriate to a Higher Grade Clerk (3007.-4007.). Lionel Earle, H.M. Office of Works, 17 November 1925. I have examined the above Account in accordance with the provisions of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act, 1921. I have obtained all the information and explanations that I have required, and I certify, as the result of my audit, that in my opinion the above Account is correct. Malcolm G. Ramsay, Comptroller and Auditor General. STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON NEW WORKS, ETC., 1924-25. F.I. (1928-24). The saving on total estimate was due to reduced costs and to modification of scheme. Total estimate, 10,4701.; expenditure to 31 March 1925, 8,4491. 6s. 7d.; balance, 2,0201. 13s. 5d. F.II. 1. Possession of the site could not be obtained as early as anticipated. Total (revised) estimate, 7,9007.; expenditure to 31 March 1925, 2881. 5s. 1d.; balance, 7,611. 14s. 11d. F.II. 2. The scheme was reconsidered, no expenditure being incurred until the F.III. 1. Edinburgh, Royal Botanic Garden: New Relief House. Estimated cost 1,000l.; expenditure to 31 March 1925, 880l. 14s. 6d.; balance, 1191. 5s. 6d. Completed, further charges to come. F.III. 2. Due to additional requirements, and to the inclusion of expenditure (3001) on additional lamps in North Road, Hyde Park, for which provision was originally made under F.III.1. F.III. 3. There were no demands under this head. |