ROYAL PALACES.

ACCOUNT of the Sum Expended, in the Year ended 31 March 1927, 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.

B.-Due to a reduction in the staff of nightwatchmen at Hampton Court Palace, resulting from a transfer of night patrolling duties to the staff of firemen, and to the full provision for Warders not being required.

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

C.-Mainly due to additional clothing required in connexion with fresh appointments to the staff of firemen at Hampton Court Palace, and the supply of overcoats to men on night patrol. D.-See Statement of New Works.

EE.-Remanet.

J.-Due to an extension of the fire alarm circuits and other fire protection measures adopted at Hampton Court Palace.

In addition the sum of 961. 12s. was received from sale of guide books at Holyrood Palace, for transfer to the Stationery Office.

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.

(29450)

A 3

STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON NEW WORKS, ETC., 1926.

OSBORNE.

ACCOUNT of the Sum Expended, in the Year ended 31 March 1927, compared with the Sum Granted, for Expenditure in respect of OSBORNE.

EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant.

B.-Underestimated.

C.-Requirements had to be met for which no provision had been made.

D.—Expenditure was less than anticipated.

E. The provision under Minor Works was not drawn upon to the extent anticipated.

F.-Requirements fell short of anticipation.

I. Due to the transfer of land assessed to Tithe Rent Charge to the Commissioners of Crown Lands.

J.-Due to an increase in the number of trunk calls by patients.

Appropriations in Aid and Receipts payable to Exchequer :-Receipts from admission fees and patients exceeded anticipation. Deduction of property tax, and failure to receive certain rent within the year reduced receipts under the head of rent. Miscellaneous receipts include 1551. received from the sale of postcards under an arrangement which came into force after the preparation of the estimates.

(29450)

A 4