Reference
CONFIDENTIAL
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The whole question of certification was under consideration by IMCO and so was the question of reciprocal recognition The UK was looking into the possibility of amending our own certification requirements. Any move to alter certificate requirements for Hong Kong would create more difficulties.
To do as Hong Kong had suggested, ie for the UK and Hong Kong authorities together to examine the certificates issued by other maritime miccions would be a very long and time-consuming study. This would also be difficult at a time when we were looking into altering our own certification.
There has been considerable criticism in ship- owning and ship-managing circles of Singapore's slackening of standards over certification and allegations that Singapore was becoming a flag of convenience. It could be difficult for Britain if Hong Kong certification requirements were altered. Even if they remained in practice at the same level the UK might well be criticised for flying a flag of convenience in Hong Kong.
المناه
Mr Standen said he would not know what the reaction of Mr Heseltine would be but he hoped a revised DTI draft submission to the PM would be ready shortly. It would be sent to us for comments. I asked particularly that it should be sent to us as soon as possible in view of the Secretary of State's visit to Hong Kong in 2 weeks' time and more particularly in order that Mr Royle may be fully in the picture. I do not think there is any further action we can take.until we receive the revised draft.
24 October 1972
Copy to:
Mr P F Newman
Marine & Transport Dept
M A Goodfellow
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department
DD 897152 154596 SOOM 2/72 GM 3643-2
CONFIDENTIAL
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