HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS. ACCOUNT of the Sum Expended, in the Year ended 31 March 1924, compared with the Sum Granted, for Expenditure in respect of the HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS. EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant. A.-See Statement of New Works. B.-There was a saving of 1,300l. on the provision for the final payment under the contract for the restoration of the roof of Westminster Hall, and of 1,8007. in respect of the cost of removal and renewal of decayed stonework. C.-Contingent provision made for clearing away snow was not required. It was anticipated that charges for lighting would have been increased during the year, but the expectation was not fulfilled. Certain lamps were put permanently out of lighting. D.-There was a saving of 9007. on the provision for gas lighting, due to cutting off a large number of lamps. Electric lighting was increased, and the earlier meeting of Parliament added to the cost under this head by about 6501. There were savings of a casual nature on water and fuel. E.-Saving due to bonus fluctuations, and saving in cost of uniform clothing. F. Casual variation. G.-Proceeds of sales of old materials and other miscellaneous receipts exceeded expectation. Such receipts are necessarily subject to considerable fluctuations. NOTE. Subhead B.-A penalty of 761. 13s. 4d. incurred under a contract for drainage work, through failure to complete within the contract time, was waived, as the Contractor could not be held responsible for the delay. The actual loss to public funds was 131. H.M. Office of Works, (S.18944.) 18 November 1924. 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, ETC., 1923-24. A.III. 1.-WORKS COSTING BETWEEN £500 AND £2,000. House of Commons: Improved lavatory and cloak room accommodation for lady visitors Estimated cost, 1,5001.; expenditure to 31 March, 1924, House of Lords: Provision of lift in Office 22 13 3 1,238 10 1 Estimated cost, 1,2001. Completed. A.III. 3.-URGENT UNFORESEEN WORKS. House of Commons: Improvement of kitchen services STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON NEW WORKS, ETC., 1923-24-continued. 361 14 6 NET SAVING BB. 1.-WORKS COSTING BETWEEN (500 AND £2,000. House of Commons: Construction of permanent refuges in approaches House of Commons: Improvement of ventilation of kitchen Estimated cost, 1,500. Completed, further charges to come. House of Commons: Replacing coke fire ventilating apparatus by electric fans .. Estimated cost, 1,5001. Completed. Excess due to the necessity H.M. Office of Works. 18 November 1924. £3,539 13 Lionel Earle, Accounting Officer. MISCELLANEOUS LEGAL BUILDINGS, GREAT BRITAIN. ACCOUNT of the Sum Expended, in the Year ended 31 March 1924, compared with the Sum Granted, for Expenditure in respect of MISCELLANEOUS LEGAL BUILDINGS, GREAT BRITAIN. EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant. A.-See Statement of New Works. BB. Various services covered by the estimate were not carried out and delay in other cases prevented the cost being brought to account within the year. C.-The margin for contingencies was not drawn upon to the extent anticipated. D.-There was a saving on the provision for bonus, due to an error in estimating (5007.) and to the reduction in the rate made during the year (5004). Requirements generally were less than anticipated. E. Requirements exceeded anticipation. F.-There was a rise in the price of coal, and consumption showed an increase. G.-See Statement of New Works. H.-Requirements fell short of expectation. EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant-contd. I-The increased receipt under the head of rents was due to tenancies arranged after the preparation of the estimate and to collection of arrears. The remaining items in the estimate are of a casual character and cannot be closely estimated. 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. STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON NEW WORKS, ETC., 1923-24. 1. Some services for which provision was made were not carried out, and savings were |