CODE 18-77
Reference
MR GRAHAM APS/MINISTER FOR A&S
Сс
HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER
PS/PUSS A&S Secretary A&S
42/€
Mr Ilubback - Dep Sec Mr Brigstocke - SP Mr Manson - SG(MAR)
Mr Standen
MAR 1
Mr Madigan
MAR 4
Mr Pentreath
ID
Mr A Stuart - FCO
We spoke yesterday about the attached letter from the Director of Marine in Hong Kong and I have since asked the FCO to send a telegram in reply as in the draft also attached. Ministers are understandably anxious to get this difficult matter settled but, with respect to that view, I do see advantages in not pressing the issue to decision very quickly, particularly if the Hong Kong Government is content, as Mr Fletcher's letter implies, to allow some time for consultation. My reasons for this are:
(a)
(b)
the complexity of the matter which calls for consulta- tion on the details of what we propose and consideration of the implications for the UK Register;
the need to convince both sides of industry that we are considering their objections carefully in the hope that they may at least acquiesce in what emerges;
(c) the opportunity which some further delay would afford
of taking the temperature in EEC on the nationality question;
(a) the opportunity which this would afford SP Division of looking into questions concerning beneficial ownership etc.;
(e)
the need to explore what would be involved in seconding Surveyors to Hong Kong and setting our examinations in Chinese.
The Hong Kong Administration have said that it will take about two years to make arrangements to set up a separate register, although the problem has been with the Department a long time, the two sides of industry have only been consulted recently. They could criticise the Government for undue haste if an announcement of a decision - even in principle were made soon. Indeed, there might be merit when firmer proposals emerge in having a green paper' period during which some kind of consultative document might be made public. I imagine that Mr Prescott may press for this following his Parliamentary Question next week.
1
You told me that the holding minute to the Prime Minister submitted by Mr Madigan before Easter was not sent. This is fortunate as the draft implied early decisions being taken. May I suggest that the minute should now be revised on the lines of the attached draft.
1
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