TNAG-0323-FCO40-359-Legislation-for-merchant-shipping-registered-in-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 102

5.

LONG TERM

(b)

(i)

Under Section 735(1) of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, it is within the power of a Colonial legislature to alter. the provisions of the Act.

(ii) Similarly, power to exempt British ships

registered outside the UK from certain provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts is contained in Section 2 of the

Merchant Shipping (Equivalent Provisions) Act 1925.

(iii) I therefore seek your advice as to the

legal implications (and in particular, any disadvantages to Hong Hong) if the Colony were allowed to "go it alone" under the provision of either these Sections.

1

If we could discuss these two questions with the papers, I should be grateful. I have copies available of the legislation quoted above.

23 June 1971

2

J A Clewley

Hong Kong Department