Million dollar injection

The SPC has nearly a million dollars more to spend this coming year than for 1976, which was the best news to come out of the con ference.

The total income for its 1977 budget is A 52,871,022 and, as it can always, and usually does, spend up to the hilt, it will all be spent. In fact, if some unexpected windfalls come along, it has plans to spend another $1,116,120. Last year's total income was $2,000,578 All the nine participating governments increased their agreed percentage contributions by 20 per cent to a total of $2,210,340. Most of the other territories and countries also raised the ante and the par ticipating governments weighed in with another $541,935 in voluntary contributions the last time they are expected to do so, as Australia told the conference that the volun tary contributions system, which has only been going a few years, should be discontinued and the work programme paid for out of the con tributions to the regular budget.

The total income also included $41,786 which was available for revote, $12,000 from reserves, $9,000 from publications sales and $28,800 "other income”. There is a windfall coming, but not strictly to the SPC. Managing director Mr A.

Tasker, of the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation, an nounced that it would finance suitable projects in individual territories up to the tune of $lOO,OOO this coming year.

This is bow it's planned to spend the money in 1977: $183,220 on

executive management, $125,280 on food and materials, $276,488 on marine resources, $212,508 on rural management and technology, $302,897 on community services, $854,461 on information services and data analysis, $244,606 on awards and grants, $281,109 on property and office services, $130,- 738 on finance office, $167,215 on common services and $92,500 will go to the reserve fund.

And this is how the money came in for the budget; From the nine par ticipating governments on an agreed percentage basis: Australia (30% of the contributions) $663,103; Fiji (1%) $22,103; France (14%) $309,- 449; Nauru (1%) $22,103; New Zealand (16%) $353,654; Papua New Guinea (1%) $22,103; United Kingdom (16%) $353,654; United States (20%) $442,068; Western Samoa (1%) $22,103 Western Samoa's increased contribution (from $18,419 to $22,103) is con ditional on government agreement.

The territories and countries, not independent and, therefore, not par ticipating governments, contributed as follows: American Samoa $2,- 032; Cook Islands $3,450; French Polynesia $909; Gilbert Islands $2,- 068; Guam $6829: New Caledonia $1,818; New Hebrides $2,760; Niue $1,505; Solomon Islands $2,- 280; Tokelau $905; Tonga $950; Tuvalu $1,200; Wallis and Futuna $455.

In addition, Australia gave another $250,000 on a voluntary basis, France $50,000 and New Zealand $241,935.