J Ashton Esq
FED, FCO
RE
HKK 166/1
1986
British Embassy
PEKING
Ricc vc & Ear Series Badd
Расс
Dear Robair, R
NUCLEAR SAFETY
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101
21 May 1986
Government Secretariat, 2) (W. on
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1.
The latest issue (no 497) of the State Council Bulletin carries the text of a notice concerning the responsibilities of the operators of nuclear power stations in China towards third parties in the event of an accident. The notice is dated 29 March 1986 and was issued as document no 44 in the State Council series. The main provisions are that the operators of nuclear power stations (in which is included units actually running the stations and those engaged in the supply, disposal and transportation of nuclear materials) are responsible to the injured party for any radiation damage caused by an accident at the plant, or by radioactive materials from the installation before they are handed over to another person. The limit that an operator would be expected to pay in total compensation for an accident is Yuan 1,000 million. If more needed to be paid in compensation the government of the PRC would provide a further subsidy of Yuan 300 million. operator would not be liable in the event of accident caused by armed conflict, enemy activity or exceptional natural disasters. Those suffering radiation damage should apply for compensation within three years of the date that they realise that they have so suffered, and this must be within ten years of the accident. All suits relating to nuclear accidents occuring within the borders of the PRC will be dealt with under Chinese law and heard by the People's Court responsible for that district.
2.
The
On a similar subject, you may have seen that Peking has just (on 1 May) put into effect provisional regulations on radiation protection and control. The report (SUB FE 8257/B11/11) stated that "over the past four years as a result of poor management and system the municipality has experienced the loss of radioactive elements and an accident in which radiation operators were irradiated unusually" Under the regulations those engaged
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in nuclear work must receive regular physical check ups. units "which have created disturbances and those who are responsible for accidents should be called into account".
Those
/3.