Kong and Hong Kong's ship owners".
The department is
advised that there is no provision of law that obliges Hong
Kong to model its merchant shipping ordinances on UK
legislation.
In so far as Hong Kong has done this it was done
as a matter of policy. However, in bringing up the question
of a Hong Kong flag, Mr Pao is raising wide issues.
es.First, the
question of a separate register of merchant shipping for Hong
Kong. We do not know if any thought has been given to this in
the Colony. We would expect however that whatever course may
eventually be decided upon it would be no part of the policy
of the Hong Kong Government to create another flag of convenience.
While there would seem to be no reason why Hong Kong should not
establish an independent Merchant Shipping Register there would
clearly be no point in considering such a course if neither
Hong Kong nor the UK were to obtain any advantage from a separate
register. The question of a separate "flag", if that is
really what Mr Pao means raises even wider issues.
RECOMMENDATION
8.
means
We shall be writing to Hong Kong about our discussions
with the DTI and we shall suggest they have further discussions
with Mr Pao. Meanwhile, Mr Royle may wish to make the
following points to Mr Pao when they meet tonight
✓
(a)
(6)
It would seem possible for the Director of Marine to
grant exemptions on the lines set out in paragraph 4
above (we shall be putting this point to Hong Kong).
In the longer term changes in the manning requirements
under UK legislation will almost certainly be
forthcoming. These will be the subject of
regulations under the Merchant Shipping Act 1970
and the DTI say that in due course the Aliens
/Restriction
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