HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 15 October 1986
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contamination of water and food chains. This will enable detailed plans to be prepared which will augment or replace as necessary existing contingency plans. In passing, Sir, I should add that it is our intention to publish Harwell's reports on these subjects when they are received.
The third observation is that a government committee should be set up for the preparation of contingency plans (ref. 5.3.2.(3) of the report). An existing inter-departmental working group, set up to co-ordinate strategy on the environmental issues arising from the Daya Bay project, will accordingly be specifically tasked to consider the preparation of this detailed contingency. plans. The working group, which is chaired by the Secretary for Economic Services, comprises representatives from Security Branch, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Medical and Health Department, the Royal Observatory and the Environmental Protection Department. Other branches and departments are consulted when the need arises.
The fourth observation is that a cross boundary agreement should be made with China to enable Hong Kong to monitor radioactivity at close range, to exchange information and to co-ordinate contingency planning for Hong Kong (ref. 5.3.3.(1) of the report). The Government fully supports the suggestion that close co-operation between the authorities on each side of the border should be established to ensure contingency plans are suitably co-ordinated and to ensure that Hong Kong is provided with immediate notification of any accident at the power station. I might add that close and cordial contacts have already been made with Chinese officials of the Guangdong Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company. During the last two years the Royal Observatory and the joint venture company have been jointly involved in recording weather data at the Daya Bay site. Useful discussions have also taken place on radiation monitoring and the preparation of environmental impact and safety studies. These contacts will, of course, be further developed whenever necessary. Once the nuclear power station has become operational direct link between it and CLP's distribution control centre at Taipo will be established. Furthermore, staff appointed by the Hong Kong partner, HKNIC, will be involved in the operations of the station. Thus it is difficult to imagine any serious incident occurring at the power plant without Hong Kong becoming immediately aware of it through these contacts. Again Selina Mrs. CHOW need have no fear in this regard.
The fifth observation is that the Hong Kong Government should strengthen its public information programme to make information about nuclear energy and the effects of radiation available (ref. 5.3.4.(1) of the report). A programme of public education activities is currently under preparation and a start to its implementation will be made in the near future in liaison with the programmes to be launched by HKNIC. Meanwhile, it has been agreed with the Education Department that teaching the concept of nuclear energy should also be strengthened in the school curriculum. Two teaching/learning packages will be