HUMABU
VISIT TO HONG KONG BY LORD GLENARTHUR, 16-19 SEPTEMBER
BRIEF NO 16: PRESS CONFERENCE
(xi) Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant
(General)
1.
HMG fully aware of concern in Hong Kong over the Daya Bay
plant since events at Chernobyl in 1986. Have relayed these
concerns to Chinese on several occasions.
Confident that
construction, operation and management of the plant will be carried
out to highest possible safety standards.
(HMG concerned about safety aspects of Daya Bay?)
2.
We have no reason to believe that the French designs are in
any way faulty.
(If pressed)
Our confidence is demonstrated by the fact that we in the UK
live a similar distance from French nuclear power stations of the
same type in northern France.
to monitor safely
(Hong Kong to be represented on advisory body?)
3.
Understand Chinese have not yet decided on composition of advisory body. We would support Hong Kong participation, but
ultimately for Chinese to decide.
(Daya Bay demonstrates need for greater public accountability in
Hong Kong)
4.
We and HKG take full account of Hong Kong public opinion on all important issues affecting territory's welfare and well-being. Daya Bay no exception, and we have taken such account of Hong Kong
concerns in our exchanges with the Chinese on this issue.