economic benefits from the setting up of a separate Hong Kong register.
CONCLUSION
A change of the kind advocated by Mr Pao would cause the UK Government
embarrassment, and would make possible a lowering of safety standards.
Moreover, in the longer tem it is possible that we shall be more flexible
in the nationality requirements for senior officers for British ships
and that this would give Mr Pao much of what he is seeking. In these
circumstances, in spite of the uncertain economic gain to Hong Kong, we recommend
against relaxation of the nationality requirement for senior officers of Hong
Kong registered ships, or the setting up of a separate Hong Kong register of
shipping.