ROYAL PARKS AND PLEASURE GARDENS.

ACCOUNT of the Sum Expended, in the Year ended 31 March 1926, 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.

B.-A saving of 471. was effected in the provision for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, experimental areas in Benmore and Glenbrander not being brought into full development during the year. Small savings accrued on other services.

C.-Due to higher prices, to an increase in the scale of issues in certain cases, and to additions to the staff of Park Keepers made subsequent to the preparation of the estimate.

D. Due to variations in the numbers of men employed.

EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant-contd. G.-The volume of work carried out during the year was less than provided for.

GG.-There was an excess of 3,5761. on the New Works portion of the Estimate (see Statement of New Works). The maintenance portion was also exceeded, the carry over from the previous year being greater than expected.

H.-Due to modifications in the scheme for furnishing the Tea House at Hampton Court (215), to delay in delivering show cases to Kew Gardens (2507.), and to other demands being less than anticipated.

I. Due to the price of fuel being lower than anticipated.

J.-In the circumstances set out in the explanation to Subhead H of the Vote for Royal Palaces, expenditure as follows was incurred in respect of the redemption of Tithe Rent Charges:Bushy Park (2,0547.); Hampton Court Park (1,1997.); Kensington Gardens (631.); Regents Park (312); Richmond Park (51); Total, 36331. There was a slight under-expenditure in other directions.

Appropriations in Aid and Receipts payable to Exchequer :-The increase under the head of rents is due mainly to the rent of Richmond Park Second Golf Course covering nearly eighteen months instead of a year only as provided for (1807.), and to the grant of wayleaves in Holyrood Park at 2001. per annum, made subsequent to the preparation of the estimate. The percentage on takings accruing under the licences to sell refreshments in Bushy Park, Kensington Gardens, and Hyde Park exceeded anticipation (2751.). Broadheath Lodge in Regents Park was opened for the sale of refreshments after the estimate was prepared, and 1791. was realized from this source.

G.-Extra cost, amounting to approximately 1281., was incurred in connexion with the supply of road materials for the Royal Parks, owing to the default of the contractors. An amount of 101. 9s. due to them for goods supplied was retained and appropriated in aid of this Vote, the balance being written off (S.27443).

Lionel Earle,
Accounting Officer.

H.M. Office of Works,

15 November 1926.

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., 1925-26.

F.I. 1. Due to late commencement in previous year owing to delay in obtaining possession of site. Completed, further charges to come. Total estimate 7,9001.; expenditure to 31 March; 1926, 7,665. 1s. 11d.

2. Completed, further charges to come. Total (revised) estimate, 3,1507. (S.8795) expenditure to 31 March 1926, 2,9491. 12s. 7d.

F.II. 1.-The commencement of the work was delayed, and a re-vote was included in the estimate for 1926.

F.III. 1. See details following.

2. Requirements were less than anticipated.

STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON NEW WORKS, ETC., 1925-26-contd.

F.III. 1.-WORKS COSTING BETWEEN 500l. and 2,000.

Bushy Park: New Lavatories..

£ 459 15 10

s. d.

Estimated cost, 6501. Not completed.
Edinburgh, Royal Botanic Garden: New Relief House

Estimated cost, 1,000Z.; expenditure to 31 March 1926, 1,0407.
10s. 11d.; Excess, 401. 10s. 11d. Completed.

Kew Gardens: Renewal of heating system throughout Herbarium
Estimated cost, 2,2501. Completed, further charges to come.
Provision for this service was made incorrectly under this
Section instead of under Section F.II.

Richmond Park: New cottage at Chohole Gate

Estimated cost, 1,0501. Completed, further charges to come.

159 16 5

1,992 7 2

1,018 2 9

G.G.I. 1.-Due to delay in commencement of the work in the previous year, and to slow progress caused by difficulty in obtaining materials and the lack of skilled labour. Completed. Total Estimate, 4.0007.; expenditure to 31 March 1926, 4,1801. 10s. 1d.; excess, 180l. 10s. 1d.

2. A portion only of the work contemplated was carried out. Total estimate, 5,0007.; expenditure to 31 March 1926, 2,0411. 3s. 10d.

3.—Work was delayed in the previous year owing to a builders' strike, and to the failure of the contractors. Completed, further charges to come. Total estimate, 6,9101.; expenditure to 31 March 1926, 7,0121. 2s.; excess, 1021. 2s. (In the statement for 1924-25 the total expenditure was incorrectly stated. Correct figures are now given).

G.G. III 1.-See details following.

2. Due to the carry over of certain works from the previous year.

STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON NEW WORKS, ETC., 1925-26—contd.

GG.III. 1.-WORKS COSTING BETWEEN 5001. AND 2,0001.

Hyde Park Raising level of Serpentine

Estimated cost, 6251.; expenditure to 31 March 1926, 5167. 3s. 5d.
Completed. Certain works for which provision was made in the
estimate were properly chargeable to maintenance and have been
so treated.

Regents Park: New Lavatories at Primrose Hill

Estimated cost, 7007.; expenditure to 31 March 1926, 4771. 7s.
Completed. Saving due to the receipt of favourable tenders.

Richmond Park: Improved entrance at Sheen Gate

Estimated cost, 1,1307. Completed, further charges to come.

H.M. Office of Works,

15 November 1926.

£1,197 17

Lionel Earle,

Accounting Officer.