!
22
Wednesday, March 29, 1972
CREATION OF HONG KONG MERCHANT SHIPPING REGISTER
Suggestion Under Careful. Consideration
The Financial Secretary, the Hon. C.P. Haddon-Cave told Legislative
Council today that Government was giving careful consideration to the possible
creation of a Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Register.
The Government, he said, was now working on this question but there
were problems to be overcome and these would involve consultations with the
United Kingdom and perhaps with other Commonwealth countries.
The creation of a Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Register was one of the
points raised by Unofficial Members when they commented on the Budget two weeks
ago.
Mr. Haddon-Cave said the Director of Marine was currently in contact
with the Hong Kong Shipowners Association and the Hong Kong General Chamber
of Commerce with a view to drawing up proposals on the subject.
The Financial Secretary then referred to the comment that countries
allow the use of their flags primarily because they treat registry as a source of
revenue, whilst at the same time attempting to evade the responsibility of applying
international conventions other than in the letter.
He realised it was not suggested that Hong Kong should tread this path
through a relaxation of safety standards for Hong Kong vessels, simply to allow
or even encourage registry in Hong Kong at a handsome fee. But he agreed that
the creation of a separate Hong Kong Shipping Register could bring some advantages.
/It would,
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.