CO129-592-10 Future Policy in Hong Kong- Port Administration 10-4-1946 - 15-4-1947 — Page 53

2.

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which would be involved, the establishment of a Port Trust

would not be justified and that all requirements for the

administration and control of the Port, including matters

of long-term policy, could be adequately and satisfactorily

met by the formation of a Port Committee, constituted on

the lines suggested in sub-paragraph (e) of paragraph 15

of the Report, having direct access to Government for the

purpose of making representations and having the assurance

of Government that its recommendations would receive serious

consideration and, if approved, would be carried out.

5.

The Report of the Committee was considered at a

meeting of the Executive Council on 4th December. The Council

agreed with the Committee's recommendation that a Port Trust

should not be established and that a Port Committee, constitu-

ted substantially on the lines suggested by the Committee and

with the terms of reference indicated in sub-paragraph (h) of

paragraph 15 of the Report, should be set up to co-ordinate

where necessary the work of the departments concerned with the

Port and to represent the various shipping and other interests

affected. The Council recognized the desirability of the

Committee having the right of direct access to Government

and being given the assurance recommended in sub-paragraph (g)

of paragraph 15 of the Report. In advising the acceptance

of the recommendation contained in sub-paragraph (i) of

paragraph 15 of the Report that the Harbour Master should be

relieved of his duties as Marine Magistrate the Council noted

that it was not the intention to relieve the Harbour Master

of those functions which he has hitherto discharged in

relation to Marine Courts and Courts of Survey under Part V

of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899.