The figures for 1913-14 included supplementary grants of 31,930l. and 197l. transferred from Class IV. (Education, Science, and Art). The large public offices in course of erection for the Board of Agriculture, the Public Trustee, a new Stationery Office, etc., and the growth of the Postal Service, had made a substantial increase of expenditure inevitable. In conformity with an undertaking given to the Public Accounts Committee, "Urgent and Unforeseen" works were differentiated in the various Votes from those of a minor character. In regard to the Houses of Parliament, provision was made for additional accommodation for members on the upper floor, and for the repair of the roof of Westminster Hall. A sum of 2,800l. was allotted in respect of the maintenance of Tintern Abbey, recently transferred to the custody of the Office of Works.
Class II.—Salaries and Expenses Of Civil Departments.
| 1914-15. | 1913-14. | Increase. |
|---|---|---|
| 4,690,433l. | 4,448,534l. | 241,899l. |
The 1913-14 figures included supplementary grants for 32,550l. and transfer of 45l. from Class IV., 1. The increase was mainly due to the Boards of Control for England and Scotland respectively, to be set up under the Mental Deficiency Acts of 1913. The Estimate for Mercantile Marine Services included 13,000l. to cover the cost of British participation in the proposed International ice service in the North Atlantic. Increases on other votes were due respectively to expenditure on schemes recommended by the Development Commission (to be repaid out of the Development Fund), to increase of staff at the Friendly Societies Registry and the Office of Works, and to provision against foot and mouth disease in Ireland.
Class III.—Law and Justice.
| 1914-15. | 1913-14. | Increase. |
|---|---|---|
| 4,768,634l. | 4,642,346l. | 126,288l. |
This increase was almost accounted for by the additional provision for Reformatory and Industrial Schools, and by the growth of charges connected with land purchase in Ireland.
Class IV.—Education, Science and Art.
| 1914-15. | 1913-14. | Increase. |
|---|---|---|
| 19,911,506l. | 19,799,388l. | 112,118l. |
The 1913-14 figures included supplementary grants of nearly 155,000l. net. The increase was due to the growth of the cost of education throughout the United Kingdom. Part of it was due to the expansion of the work of the school medical service. In the Vote for Scientific Investigation 5,000l. was provided as a first instalment of a grant of 10,000l. to Sir Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition.