320
40
the necessary powers to implement any
subsequent decision to transfer the work to
the private sector. However, active
consideration has yet to be given to whether
contracting out would be the right decision in
this case."
[It is understood that there is no intention in the UK
to transfer any regulatory powers to the private
sector]. Given that we are now embarking on a new
register we felt that we should critically examine the
alternative ways of its supervision always bearing in
mind the background that
(a)
(b)
certain operational procedures are
prescribed in the MSA 1894 and would need
to be modernised either in the proposed
MSA or in new Hong Kong legislation;
tonnage on the existing Hong Kong
Register, which is operated by the Marine
Department, has continued to increase
thus indicating a certain degree of
confidence and satisfaction in it