Possible UKAEA Visit to Chinese Nuclear Regulators
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In
7. There was some discussion of the possibility floated in earlic discussion between DTI, FCO, and D/Energy and UKAEA of a visit to Beijing by UKAEA personnel involved in the consultancy. The aim would be to obtain information from the PRC nuclear regulators about the safety regime which intended to apply. discussion it became clear that UKAEA, and Hong Kong Government, as well as D/Energy and FCO were all sensitive to the difficulties of arranging such a visit in a way which would simultaneously be acceptable to the PRC and avoid putting the UKAEA in a false position.
If
8. I accordingly suggested that a simpler approach would be to invite the PRC to send their nuclear regulators to the UK (and, if desired, to France) to exchange views with their counter-parts. This would avoid the difficulties of a UKAEA visit to Beijing. Chinese acceptance of the idea could be announced before September, it would have a favourable public impact, coinciding with the expected signature of the main contracts. Mr Yaxley, Mr Levey, Dr Wade, and Mr Layden all saw attraction in this idea. Mr Levey volunteered UKAEA assistance with logistics. While reserving D/Energy's position, I undertook to put the idea to Mr Morphet, the NII, and eventually, our Ministers.
PH AGRELL
AE2
Room 1571
Ext 5008
21 JULY 1986
4
CC.
Mr Morphet Mr Freeman
Mr Laydon
FCO
Mr Levey
UKAEA