MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Budget week begins May 24

The Falkland Islands 2005/06 Budget Session of the Legislative Council begins next Tuesday May 24 at 09.15 hours in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall.

Because of yet another poor squid season this will be a financial year of further belt tightening with significant reductions in government expenditure, as has been anticipated by several Councillors.

However the Islanders high standard of living and quality public services are not expected to suffer given the overall satisfactory performance of the Islands economy and financial reserves which should help overcome any shortages.

The budget session will be preceded at 09.00 hours, by an inspection of a Guard of Honour of the Falkland Islands Defence Force by His Excellency the Governor. The Guard of Honour will be drawn up in front of St Mary's Church and the inspection witnessed by Elected Members, Commander of British Forces and Officials.

After the opening prayers, His Excellency Governor Howard Pearce will deliver his annual Address to the Nation, which will be followed by the Motion of Thanks, Questions and the first stages of the Finance and Appropriations Bills.

Legislative Council will reconvene on Wednesday 25th May at 14.15 hours with the report back from the Select Committee on the Draft Estimates by the Honourable the Financial Secretary.

The Appropriation Ordinance for the service of the year 2004/05 was £ 39,197,840.