TNAG-1059-FCO40-1309-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-1981 — Page 26

Mr Manzie then stated that the Prime Minister had decided that the

Department of Industry would be in the lead, and asked all present

to be aware of this and not to either visit China or respond to any

communications from there without first clearing it with himself,

He would, of course, consult with the Group if he considered it

necessary. He hoped that all parties present shared his objective,

which was to maximise the supply of UK goods and services. Miss Parkin

also endorsed this policy, saying that any differences that might

exist should be sorted out within the Committee rather than in public

and risk confusing the Chinese. Mr Potter said that he felt some

criticism

of the cation was aimed at himself but said that he had a number of

contacts in China which were not related to nuclear matters and that

he would continue to pursue these. If he felt that anything relevant

arose during these visits he would report them to the Committee.

Mr Stones added that, in common with Castle Peak, CLP looked to HMG

as being in the lead on the project, rather than individual

contractors.

Mr Manzie accepted that this was the established, and

indeed only prudent, way for the UK to attempt to secure a share of

this project and this pointed to the need for consultation prior

to any exchanges with the Chinese authorities.

The meeting then turned to the question of fuel supplies, and for

BNFL, Dr Bail indicated his company's wish to participate to the

fullest extent possible. Recent discussions with Westinghouse

suggested that they would wish to supply the first fuel charge but

that subsequent fuel charges be open to the UK to supply. He

agreed that there was a possibility that, as BNFL were Westinghouse

Licencees, they might be able to supply the first fuel charge but

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