ROYAL PALACES.

ACCOUNT of the Sum Expended, in the Year ended 31 March 1926, compared with the Sum Granted, for Expenditure in respect of ROYAL PALACES, including a Grant in Aid.

EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant.

C.—Requirements fell short of expectation.

D.-See Statement of New Works.

E.—The demands of the year were less than anticipated.

EE.--Progress with the programme of work for the winter of 1924–25 was slower than anticipated. This entailed an increase in the charge on 1925-26.

EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant-contd. F.-Expenditure, not anticipated when the estimate was framed, was incurred in the supply of show cases to the Wolsey Kitchen, Hampton Court Palace, on its being opened to the public. G.-Due to a reduction in the cost of fuel, and to a curtailment of supplies of household articles. H.-Expenditure, for which no provision had been made, was incurred in connexion with the redemption of Tithe Rent Charges on property at Hampton Court, Bushy Park, and Longford River (2907.). Under the Tithe Act of 1918, the value of Tithe Rent Charges was fixed until 1 January 1926. In view of the increased value of such charges to be expected after that date in consequence of the rise in prices since 1918, the opportunity was taken to redeem under the fixed rates operating until 1 January 1926.

K.-Proceeds of sales of old materials, and miscellaneous receipts, cannot be closely estimated. The estimate of receipts from sales of guide books and postcards, and from admission fees, was framed on the basis that the continuance of the British Empire Exhibition would favourably affect this class of receipts as in the previous year, but the expectation was not realized.

• In addition the sum of 1201. 15s. 6d. was received from sale of guide books at Holyrood Palace, for transfer to the Stationery Office.

EXTRA REMUNERATION (£50 and over).

From this Vote, a Foreman (51. 3s. 8d. per week) received a gratuity of 501. for undertaking extra duties in connexion with repairs to the roof of the Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace.

I have examined the foregoing Accounts 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 these Accounts are correct.

Malcolm G. Ramsay, Comptroller and Auditor General.

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

D.III 1-Richmond Park, Pembroke Lodge: Fire Protection. Estimated cost, 9907.; expenditure to 31 March 1926, 950l. 8s. 3d. Completed.

D.III. 2.-Demands were greater than anticipated.

D.III. 3.-Hampton Court Palace: Storage accommodation
Estimated cost, 6307.; expenditure to 31 March 1926, 5187. -s. 8d.
Completed. Saving due to re-use of surplus materials.

St. James's Palace: Adaptation of apartments as an official residence for
the Assistant Private Secretary to H.M. the King

..

£ S. d. 196 18 1

..

230 1 2

Estimated cost 6017.; expenditure to 31 March 1926, 5591. 3s.
Completed. (In the statement for 1924-25 the expenditure was
incorrectly stated. Correct figures are now given.)

EE. 1. Hampton Court Palace: Opening of certain rooms to the public and preparation of apartments for re-occupation.

Estimated cost 1,149.; expenditure to 31 March 1926, 1,2821. 11s. 3d.; excess, 1331. 11s. 3d. Completed. Unforeseen difficulties were experienced during the progress of the work.

H.M. Office of Works,

15 November 1926.

Lionel Earle,

Accounting Officer.

OSBORNE.

ACCOUNT of the Sum Expended, in the Year ended 31 March 1926, compared with the Sum Granted, for Expenditure in respect of OSBORNE.

EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant.

B. The provision was too low.

D.-There were fewer patients in residence than had been provided for, and costs generally were lower than anticipated.

E.-See Statement of New Works.

H.-The cost of water and electric current fell below the provision. The switching arrangements have been improved as part of a re-wiring recently carried out.

I. No charge matured during the year, except that of an acknowledgment rent.

EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant-contd.

K.-Receipts from admission fees cannot be closely estimated. residence than had been anticipated.

Fewer patients were in

Rent of New Barn, &c., meadow lands and playing fields
Receipts for use of telephones

Miscellaneous (key subscriptions, lavatory receipts, sale of old materials, refuse, &c.)

In addition the sum of 917. was received from sale of guide books for transfer to the Stationery Office.

NOTE.

It is not possible to allocate accurately the amount of the net expenditure on the Convalescent Home and the State Apartments. The apportionment is, approximately, Convalescent Home, 10,1557, and State Apartments, 5,8551.

H.M. Office of Works,

15 November 1926.

Lionel Earle,
Accounting Officer.

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., 1925-26.