TABAEE
RESTRICTED
P.
DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
1.
Concern in Hong Kong
We are well aware of the concerns that have been expressed in
Hong Kong about the construction of the plant. We have reflected
these concerns very fully to the Chinese Government. They have
assured us that in the design and construction of the plant the
utmost attention is being paid to safety considerations.
2.
Construction Error
An error in the construction of Daya Bay nuclear power plant was
discovered in September 1987. The Hong Kong Government received a
full report on the error from the Guangdong Nuclear Power Joint
Venture Company. Having considered the report, the Hong Kong
Government are satisfied that the proposed remedy will restore the
integrity of the plant to an equivalent of the original
specifications.
3. Quality Control Improvements
I understand that improvements have been made to the quality
control arrangements at Daya Bay to avoid construction errors in the
future. Both the contractor ad the Joint Venture Company will
ensure that 100% checks are made on all work being undertaken to
ensure that it is in compliance with the approved design.
4.
Contingency Plans
The Hong Kong Government engaged the United Kingdom Atomic
Energy Authority in 1986 to provide expert guidance on contingency
planning for action in Hong Kong in the event of an accident at Daya
Bay. The Hong Kong Government are now formulating their contingency
plans on the basis of the Authority's report, which was published in
Hong Kong on 5 May. The main thrust of the report is that no evacuation plan is necessary.