CONFIDENTIAL
HMG's
3. Successive British governments have consistently regarded Tibet as autonomous while recognising the special position of the Chinese authorities there. position was last stated in the House in response to a PQ tabled by Mr David Atkinson on November 22 1983 by Mr Luce, who said, "For a long time we have recognised
Chinese suzerainty over Tibet. This has been on the understanding that Tibet is regarded as autonomous. Tibet was proclaimed an autonomous region in 1965.
THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
4.
The main contracts were signed in September 1986. A French contractor will supply the nuclear island: GEC will supply the turbines and generator. The plant is 25% Hong Kong owned and some 70% of the power generated will
go to Hong Kong.
5. Since events at Chernobyl in April 1986 there has been great concern in Hong Kong about the risks to which the territory would be exposed in the event of an accident at Daya Bay. Following discussions with other governments concerned, including the Chinese government, HMG has expressed confidence that the construction, operation and management of the plant will be carried out to the highest possible safety standards.
6. Until recently, concern in Hong Kong had abated over the issue. However, on 15 September work on a reactor raft was suspended following the discovery that the spacing of reinforcement rods did not comply with the
NB8AAV
CONFIDENTIAL