1986-09-12 14:43 DPT INDUSTRY, ASHDOWN HSE
01 828 0931
P.01
Nuclear Safety
Following Chernobyl there has been increased concern in
Hong Kong about nuclear safety issues, and there is a
considerable body in Hong Kong opposed to the building
of the plant. A coalition of anti-nuclear groups collected
over 1 million signatures and presented these to the Chinese
in August. Part of this concern is about how the Chinese
take account of the views of Hong Kong and its implications
for arrangements post 1997.
The Chinese have made clear that Chernobyl will not disrupt
their nuclear plans and Daya Bay will go ahead.
We, in
co-operation with the French, have been taking action
with the Chinese in an attempt to reassure long Kong.
Our principal objective is to encourage the Chinese to
adopt and, importantly, publicise the necessary measures
to ensure safe construction and operation of the plant.
The Chinese have responded constructively and have followed
closely the concern in Hong Kong.
Fact-finding visits to other countries with nuclear power
programmes have been carried out by Hong Kong Legislative
Council (LegCo) members and their report was published
on 30 August. The report's observations are mostly concerned
with practical suggestions on safety and do not call for
the project to be halted. The LegCo members are to visit
Peking on 15-18 September to discuss their recommendations
with the Chines The majority view in LegCo now appears
!