JA2AOS
CONFIDENTIAL
MR WADDINGTON'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: 21-27 SEPTEMBER
IV. HONG KONG: DAYA BAY (GUANGDONG) NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT
Line to Take
1.
(If asked
about HMG's attitude
to
safety of Hong Kong
people) As part of its overall responsibilities for Hong Kong, HMG will discharge fully its responsibility for safety of Hong
Kong people.
2.
(If asked what HMG has done about Hong Kong people's
concerns about safety at Daya Bay) We have followed debate on Daya Bay closely, and have stressed to Chinese the need to take
steps to allay these concerns.
3. (If asked about the probability of an accident at the plant) no one can give assurance that operation of any power station, whether nuclear of conventional, will be entirely problem-free.
Against very low probability of accidents, if safety aspects are properly observed in design, construction and operation of nuclear power stations, must be set undoubted benefits of
nuclear power.
are
4. (If asked whether we think that the project should proceed)
On basis of exchanges we have had with Chinese authorities,
we announcements they have made, steps they have taken and satisfied that they are approaching questions of safety with
utmost seriousness, and that the project
the project should accordingly go
ahead.
CONFIDENTIAL