I move:—
That a sum not exceeding £2,522 1s. 6d. be granted to make good an Excess on the Grand for Forestry for the year ended 31st March, 1948.
This excess arose mainly on sub-head C (2) of the Forestry Vote, on which is borne the cost for cultural operations and maintenance work. The original Estimate for the year 1947-48 provided a sum of £246,215. An additional sum of £66,000 was subsequently provided by Supplementary Estimate, making the total provision for the year 1947-48 for cultural operations and maintenance work, £312,215. Expenditure from the sub-head, however, totalled £318,242 1s. Od. Savings on other sub-heads enabled the deficit in the gross Vote to be reduced to £2,089 19s. 6d. There was a deficiency of £432 2s. Od. in the estimated Appropriations-in-Aid and that left the excess on the net Vote at £2,522 1s. 6d.
Deputies will understand that an estimation of expenditure on sub-head C (2), which covers all expenditure directly relating to the conduct of operations in State forests, is difficult at any time, but it was exceptionally difficult in 1947-48 and other recent years owing to the great uncertainty as regards supplies and the consequent difficulty in planning the annual programme of work. There was an unexpected heavy drain on the sub-head to meet the cost of fuel production, which was resumed on a large scale during the fuel crisis in the winter of 1947. There was a Supplementary Estimate taken to meet expenditure on this additional work. It was thought that that supplementary would make adequate provision for the payment for the service for the year.
There were certain materials that were oustanding, mainly fencing materials, that were not expected to arrive until 1948-49. They were received unexpectedly in the last few weeks of the financial year 1947-48 and, in accordance with the terms of the contract, they had to be paid for on delivery. The system is that the Department of Posts and Telegraphs makes the purchase through their agents. They pay for the materials on the understanding that they will be recouped. The expenditure of £2,522 was incurred, but it did not become apparent until after the close of the financial year 1947-48. I am asking that this money should now be made good.
Question agreed to.
Excess Vote reported and agreed to.