TNAG-1362-FCO40-1808-Hong-Kong-Hansard-reports-and-minutes-of-the-meetings-of-the-1985 — Page 53

2

Although, at the moment, some 95% of ocean-going

vessels over 10,000 Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) entering or leaving Hong Kong harbour use the services of pilots, the implementation of compulsory pilotage would extend the coverage to a much wider scope and include, eventually, ships of much

maller sizes. The pilotage dues, which would form part of the regular expenditure of the shipping industry must be set at a level that would not hamper the future development and the competitiveness of the industry. Since the pilotage dues would have much wider implications than before, the Government should examine the situation carefully with widest possible consultation in the next review of the Pilotage (Dues) Order.

As one of the world's major and busiest ports, Hong Kong has earned a world-wide reputation for efficiency in meeting the increasing demands of modern shipping requirements. I sincerely urge that the Government would be flexible in the implementation of the proposal and would avoid getting into a situation where, following the passage of this bill, the volume of pilotage movement is expanding at such a rate that the supply of qualified pilot could not match. this regard, I would like to seek the Government's assurance that adequate training facilities would be provided to ensure adequate supply of properly trained pilots to meet the demands generated by the implementation of compulsory pilotage.

Sir, with this remarks, I support the motion.

In