general agreement on 17 august tariffs and trade ... - … · general agreement on 17 august 1953...

GENERAL AGREEMENT ON 17 August 1953TARIFFS AND TRADE Limited Distribution

BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR 1954

Note by the Executive Secretory

1. The draft Estimates of Expenditure for 1954 are contained in Annex A;detailed Schedules in Annex B, and explanatory notes in Annex C.

2. These estimates have been based on the same assumptions as the estimatesfor 1953 (L/13); if decisions taken by the CONTRACTING PARTIES at theirEighth Session were to involve additional workload for the secretariat,supplementary estimates would be submitted in the course of the Session.

3. Total expenditure is estimated at a figure slightly lower than thebudget figure for 1953; it amounts to $344,500 against $353,650 in 1953.This reduction is entirely due to a substantial cut proposed for Part III"Unforeseen" for the reasons set forth in Annex C page 13; the estimatesfor Parts I and II taken together amount to a slightly higher figure thanthe corresponding appropriations for 1953; they are based on the actualtrend of expenditure in the course of this year,

4. The presentation of the estimates and explanatory notes follows thesame pattern as last year. The explanatory notes show the correspondingestimates for 1953; the actual expenditure for 1952 will be found in theaudited accounts for that year which are annexed to the Report by theExecutive Secretary on tho financing of the 1953 Budget which will be cir-culated before the opening of the Eighth Session,

5. Income Budget. The Executive Secretary will circulate before theopening of the Eighth Session the estimates of receipts for 1954, includingthe proposed level of total contributions for 1954 and suggestions for thedisposal of the 1953 surplus, No change is contemplated in the level ofindividual contributions, the unit remaining at $3,000.

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ANNEXA

ESTIMATESOF EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1954

Part I: Meetings

Section1

2

Amount in U.S. Dollars

Ninth Session of the CONTRACTING PARTIES

Intersessional meetings

Total Part I

24,700.--

7.00-

32,200.-

Part II: Secretariat

Section

2

3

4

5

6

Salaries and Wages and Official Travel

Common Staff Costs

Common Services

Printing

Hospitality

Permanent Equipment

198,600.-

50,500.-29,700.-

10,000.-

1,000.-

2.500.-

Total Part II

Total Parts I and II

Part III: Unforeseen

292,300.-

324,500.-

20. t00.sGrand Total 344,500.-

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ANNEX B

ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1954

Detailed Schedules


Part I : Section 1. Ninth Session of the CONTRACTING PARTIES

(i)(ii)

(iii)

(iv)(v)

(vi)

Temporary Assistance (including overtime)Travel and Subsistence of Temporary StaffRental of Meting-rooms and AdditionalOffice Space

Documents Reproduction and DistributionTranslationCommunications, Office Supplies, and OtherServices

10,600.-600. -

3,500.-8,000. -1,000.-

1,000. -

$ 24,700.-

Part I : Section 2. Intersessional Meetings

(a) Meetings of the Agenda and IntersessionalBusiness Committee

Temporary AssistanceTravel and Subsistence of StaffRental of Meeting RoomOther Services

(b) Other Intersessional Meetings

1,700. -300.-

1,000. -500. -

$ 3,500.-

$ 4,000.-Grand Total $

Part Il: Section 1. Salariesand Wages andOffical Travel

(i) Established Posts(ii)) Temporary Assistance (including overtime)

(iii) Travel on Official Business

176,600.-7,000. -

15,000.-

$198,600.-

(i)(ii)

(iii)(iv)

7,500. -======

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Part II. Section 2, Common Staff Costs

(i) Traval and Removal Expenses ofStaff and Dependents 3,Oo.-

(ii) Termination Payments 2,000.-(iii) Contributions to Staff Benefit Fund .24,000v-(iv) Repatriation Grants 5,500.-(v) Travel on Home Leave 10,000e-

(vi) Children's Allowances and EducationGrant and Related Travel 5,000.-

(vii) Other Staff Benefits 1.000.-$ 50,500.-

Part II: Section 3. Common Services

(i) Cable, Telegraph, Wireless Communicationsand long Distance Telephone 2,000.-

(ii) Freight, Cartage and Express (excludingAir freight) 1,000.-

(iii) Air Freight 5Q0.(iv) Books and Information Material 1,000.-(v) Rental and Maintenance of Premises and

Equipment 6,000.-(vi) Postal Services 3,000.-

(vii) Stationery and Office Supplies 2,200.-(viii) Reproduction and Distribution of Documents 10,000.-

(ix) Translation 2,500.-(x) Other Services and Miscellaneous Expenditure Ll.600.-

$ 29,700.-

Part II: Section 4. Printing $ 10,000.-

Part Il: Section 5. Hospitality $ 1,000.-

Part II: Section 6. Permanent Epuipment $ 2,500.-

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ANNEXC

EXPLANATORYNOTES

Part I: Meetings

Section 1 Ninth Session of the CONTRACTING PARTIES ..... $24,700(1953: 8th Session....:: $24,700)

The estimates for the Ninth Session have been prepared on the assumptionthat the CONTRACTING PARTIES will meet in a session of six weeks at the Palaisdes Nations, Geneva, and they have been based on the actual expenditure of theSeventh Session which amounted to about $20,000 for a duration of five weeks anda half.

The estimates include the rental of a conference and two sub-comitteerooms and additional offices in the Palais for the secretariat, the salaries ofthree temporary interpreters, four reviser-translators, one precis-writer, andseven stenographers, compensation to temporary staff for overtime, travel andsubsistence to meet the recruitment costs of five non-locally recruited temporarystaff, charges for 1,250,000 impressions, distribution of 250,000 copies, trans-lation of 200 pages at United Nations rates, and miscellaneous expenditure.

As compared with the estimates for 1953, the following changes have beenmade: the appropriation for temporary assistance has been increased by $900.to include the salary of one precis-writer and to cover the salaries of thosetemporary members of the staff who enter on duty before the opening date of theSession; the appropriation for travel and subsistence of temporary staff hasalso been increased by $100 to meet the recruitment costs of 5 (instead of 4)non-locally recruited staff. On the other hand, the appropriation for item(vi) Miscellaneous Services, has been reduced by $1,000 on the basis of theexpenditure actually committed during the Seventh Session. As a result of thesechanges, the estimates remain on the same level as those of the Eighth Session.

Section 2 Intersessional Meetings 7........................ '7500(1953 ........... $ ',lOOO)

(a) Meeting of the Agenda and IntersessionalBusiness Committee

............ 3.500

(1953 ................. $ 5,000)

The estimates are based on the present composition of the Committee forAgenda and Intersessional Business; they provide for two meetings of twelve dayseach, during the intersessional period, and one meeting of one day before theopening of the Ninth Session. They include the rental of a medium-sized confer-ence room, the salaries of one interpreter, one translator and one stenographer.

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To facilitate the coding of commitments and expenditure, the estimates do notinclude charges for impression, distribution or translation. The cost of theseservices has been included under Section 3, Common Services, items (viii) and (ix),This change of presentation accounts to a large extent for the reduction in theestimates.

(b) OtherIntersessional Meetings . 4,000(1953 ............... $ 5,000)

These estimates cover the cost of a limited number of meetings of twointersessional working parties. The reduction by $1,000 is explained by thetransfer of the costs of reproduction, distribution and translation to Section 3,Common Services,

Part II: Secretariat

Section 1 Salaries and Wages and official Travel ...... $198600(1953 ......$197,300 )

(i) Established Posts - $176 600 (1953: $175.300)

The proposed Manning Table does not differ substantially from that of1953; the total number or posted remains the same (35); the main changes inthe Manning Table result from a re-arrangement of the Trade Intelligence Unit.The post of DU has been transferred from that Unit to the Office of theexecutive Secretary. The head of the Unit (at present seconded from the United

Nations) has been graded P.5, at the appropriate step; a new post of StatisticalAssistant G.6 has been added to the establishment of the unit; on the other hand,two posts in the Unit have been suppressed, i.e. that of Adviser (P.4) and oneof the Economic Affairs Officers (P.3). In view of the increased responsibilityof the Administrative Officer and of the Accountant, it is proposed to regradethese posted respectively from P.1 to P.2 and from G.6 to G.7. One stenographerhas been transferred from the stenographic pool to the Administrative Unit, inview of the increased workload of that Unit.

The estimates for established posted show an increase of $1,300 over the1953 estimates; the difference is explained by the following facts: increasesdue to statutory increments in 1954, regrading of 3 posted, and increased costin dollars of the salaries of the General Service Category (which are fixed inSwiss francs), as a result of the adoption of the rate of 4.28 Swiss francs forone dollar instead of 4.33, for book-keeping purposes; reductions due to theregrading of one poet and to the filling of vacancies at a lower step in thegrade.

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MANNING TABLE 1954

No. of Category and Post Level GradePosts

Office of the Executive Secretary

Executive Secretary P D1. Deputy Executive Secretary D 21 Special Assistant D 11 Assistant Officer P 1

Operational Unit

1 Head of Unit P 53 Economic Affairs officers P 31 Assistant Officer Pl

Trade Intelliigence Unit

1 Head of Unit P52 Economic Affairs Officers P 31 Assistant Officer P 11 Statistical Assistant G 6

Library and Information Unit

1 Information Officer P 41 Administrative Assistant G 6

Ianguges Unit

2. languages Officer P 4

General Services

1 Administrative Officer P2

(a) Administrative Unit

1 Accountant G 71 Clerk-stenographer G 41 Registry clerk G 31 Clerk G 2

(b) Central Office

2 Secretaries G 5

No ofPosts Category and Post Level Grade

(c) Documents Control and Stenograhic Pool

1 Administrative Assistant G 62 Secretaries G 53 Stenographers G 42 Copy Typists G 2

(d) Maintenance Service

Messenger-Driver G 21 Huissier G 11 Concierge G 1

Total establisbed posts: Total grosssalaries on 1.1.54 $ 215,900

1953 1954 Increments due in 1954- 2,00$ 217,900

Less Staff Assessment 41,300

TOTAL NET SALARIES $ 176,600

(ii) Temporary Assistance - $7,O000 (15il 7O0

The estimates provide for the salaries of additional personnel needed toreplace regular staff on annual, home or sick leave; they also include thesalaries of temporary translators employed during the intersessional periods.This appropriation also covers statutory compensation for overtime of temporarystaff. As in former budgets, the temporary assistance expenditure duringmeetings is budgeted separately under the estimate for each meeting,

(iii) Travel on Official Business $ 15.00OC1953;$1.5.00)

This estimate provides for the travel expenses (Including subsistence)of regular staff members on mission; it also includes the travel subsistenceof temporary staff engaged during the intersessional periods. In addition,it includes the cost of insurance premiums taken out when officials travel byair. In view of the increased requirements of liaison work, it is suggestedthat the appropriation should remain at the same figure as last year.

Section 2 Common Staff Costs . $50,500(1953 ... $47,0000

(i) Travel and Removal Expenses of Staff and Dependents - $3,000

This estimate provides for travel expenses on recruitment of staffmembers not recruited locally, as well as travel subsistance allowance inrespect of the first 30 days of service. It also covers the travel and

subsistence expenses due to dependents of officials having one year of con-tinuous service, as well as the cost of removal of household effects ofofficials having two years of continuous service. Moreover, the estimateincludes a token amount for travel and removal expenses on termination orresignation.

In 1954, two officials will be entitled to repayment of travel andsubsistence expenses for their dependents, and five to the repayment of costof removal. The reduction in the estimate is due, inter alia, to the reducednumber of vacant posted to be filled in 1954.

(ii) Termination Payments - $2,000 (1953: $1,000)

This estimate covers payment for accrued annual leave for which paymentis made, irrespective of the reason for separation, as well as a token provisionfor the statutory indemnity due when an indefinite appointment is terminated.In view of the experience of 1953, where the resignation of 3 staff membersinvolved an expenditure of about $1,500, it would appear. advisable to increasethe appropriation for that item of expenditure.

(iii) Contributions to Staff Benefit Fund - $34,000(1:$24,0)

ICITO has established a Staff Benefit Fund: the staff contributes 7%and the secretariat 14% of the net salaries. The estimate is based on theactual payments to be made in 1954.

(iv) Repatriation Grants - $5,500 (1953: $2,000)

Repatriation grants are paid to international, non-local officialsleaving the secretariat, irrespective of the reason for separation. As thetime at which this liability may materialise cannot be foreseen in advance,it is difficult to estimate the probable expenditure in the course of any givenyear. In order to obviate that difficulty, it is suggested to fund thisliability and to transfer each year to a Repatriation Grant Fund the amountscorresponding to the rights acquired by the staff in the course of the financialyear. The estimate has been calculated on that basis.

(v) Travel on Home Leave - $10,000 (1953: $10,000)

All staff members who are recruited non-locally are entitled to homeleave every two years. The estimate (which includes travelling expenses andsubsistence allowance of staff and dependents) is calculated on the basis ofthe repayments to which staff eligible for home leave in 1954 will be entitled.

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(vi) Childrents Allowances and Education Grant and Related Travel -

$5,000 (1953: $5.000)

The estimate is based on the present yearly expenditure on children'sallowances (16 children) with a provision for six additional children for theincumbents of vacant posts or present officials. Provision has also been madefor education grants in respect of three children but not for related travel as itis expected that the education grants will be given in respect of education atthe International School at Geneva.

(vii) Other Staff Benefits - $i0ooo (1953: $lo000)

This item provides for contributions to the sickness insuranceassociation and to the joint medical service, as well as to language coursesand other training courses organized by the United Nations.

As for 1953, it is suggested that no provision be made to coverliabilities which might arise under the social security provisions of theStaff Regulations, pending the setting up of a common social security schemefor the United Nations and other agencies, provided that the Executive Secretaryis authorized to meet such liabilities, if the case should arise, by drawingon the appropriation for "unforeseen". The employer's liability with respectto manual workers is covered by an insurance policy and the premiums are includedin Section 3, item (v) below. Air travel risks are also covered by an insurancepolicy and premiums are included in Part I. Section 1, item (iii) Travel onOfficial Business.

Section 3 Common Services....................a.... $29 700(1953...... $29,500)

(i) Cable, Telegraph, Wireless Communications and Long-Distance Telephone -$2,000 (1953:. $2,500)

As a result of the use of airgrams instead of cables and of otheradministrative arrangements, expenditure on this item has been kept at a lawlevel; it is therefore suggested to reduce again the appropriation which hadalready been fixed last year at a lower figure than for 1952.

(ii) Freight, Cartage and Express(excluding air freight)$1i000 (1953: '2 000)

(iii) Air Freight $500 (1953: $1,000)These estimates include provision for freight in connection with the

forwarding of documents and publications to governments and sales agents aswell as charges of the United Nations Transport Section. It has been possibleto keep this expenditure at a low level in 1952 and in the course of 1953; itis therefore suggested to reduce the appropriation for 1954.

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(iv) Books and Information Material - $1,0C0 (1953: $1.000)

This estimate is based on past experience; although the number ofeconomic publications required by the secretariat has increased, expenditurehas been kept at a low level as a result of satisfactory exchange arrangements.

(v) Rental and Maintenance of Premises and Equipment -66,00 (1953: 6 000)

The estimates are based on the actual expenditure incurred since thesecretariat has moved to the Villa "Le Chêne", and does not differ substantiallyfrom the estimates last year.

1953 estimates

A Rent 2000..- 2,000.-B Electricity 400-- 350w..C Water supply 75.- 70.&.D Heating ,500.. 1,385.-E - Other maintenance expenditure

(electric supplies, fireextinguishers, etc.) 225J 110.0.

F - Telephone (rental and local calls) 325.- 375..G - Cleaning materials 100.- 110.-H .- Casual labour, gardener, cleaners,

etc. 500.- 500..I - Insurance premiums 375.. 500...J - Maintenance of a service car

(including insurance premium) 500.. .600*.-

Total 6,000.- 6,0000,0

(vi) Postal Services - $3.000 (1953: .$3.3000)This estimate covers the cost of postage, stamps, etc. but not the

contribution to the expenses of the United Nations Mailing Service which isincluded in ".Other Services and Miscellaneous Expenditure"; it is based onthe actual expenditure in the course of this year.

(Vii) Stationery anfdOffice Supplies $2.200 (1953: $22000)This estimate coverslail supplies for office requirements (with the

exceptioofOI office equipment) and for distribution of documents and publi-cations. A further increase by $200 appears necessary to meet the increaseddemand of supplies, in particular of those required for the distribution ofdocuments and publicatio.s,

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(viii) Reproduction and Distribution of Documents - $10.000 (1953: $8,500)

As indicated in the explanatory notes relating to Part I, Section 2(Intersessional Meetings), it is proposed to transfer to this item the costof reproduction and distribution of documents relating to intersessional meetings,for reasons of administrative convenience. The difference between the 1954and 1953 estimates is due mainly to this change in presentation.

The estimates are based on the production of 2,200,000 impressions andon the distribution of 150,000 documents.

(ix) Translation - $ 2,500 (1953: $2,000)

The estimate covers only the costs of translation work done throughexternal assistance; the salaries of translators employed on a temporary basisare included in the appropriations for temporary assistance. As in the caseof. reproduction and distribution of documents, the estimate for 1954 includesthe cost of translation work done in connection with intersessional meetingsand the appropriation has been increased accordingly. It provides for 500pages of translation at United Nations rates,

(x) Other Services and Miscellaneous Expenditure - $1.500 (1953: $1.500)

This estimate provides for various payments made to the U.N. EuropeanOffice for such services as mailing services, sales of publications,. visas,laisser-passer etc. and for miscellaneous expenditure such as bank charges, etc.

Section 4 Printing ..............................$10,000(1953..,. ..$io000)

This estimate would provide for the printing of a Report on InternationalTrade (in English and in French), of a supplement to the Basic Instruments,and of a few other pamphlets.

Section 5 Hospitality ...... 5 ....o(1953n..... $1., 0o)

In this section provision is made for hospitality to be rendered in thecourse of their functions by officials of the secretariat not entitled torepresentation allowances. The estimate also covers hospitality expensesincurred in connection with meetings.

Section 6 Permanent Equipment ........ . . . ............. .tt0

(1953.. ..u $2, 000)Provision is made for the purchase of miscellaneous office equipment,

such as one additional calculating machine, two additional typewriters, etc.

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Part III: Unforeseen

$P20.o00(1953: $32,150)

The CONTRACTING PARTIES have recognized that, in view of the smallnessof the budgets it was advisable to leave at the disposal of the ExecutiveSecretary a substantial appropriation to meet unforeseen expenditure relatingto the items of expenditure approved as well as to meet liabilities arising outof his responsibilities as an employer. It is suggested that this appropriationmight be reduced next year to an amount of $20$000.