TNAG-1500-FCO40-2058-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 116

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Secretary of State for Trade and Industry

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Ps Dis PS/M Reston Psi Pus Srw Hording MrGooday Dr Wilson

Mr Slater

FED, NED.

1

Hong Kong: Nuclear Safety

1. The Governor of Hong Kong has sent us a series of reports about attitudes in the territory, since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, towards the construction of the

nuclear power station planned for Daya Bay in Guangdong Province, China, about 30 miles from Hong Kong. You will

recall that the main contractors for the station, which

will be China's first, are Framatone (France for the

nuclear plant) and GEC (for the generators). Ownership will be 75% Chinese, 25% Hong Kong and Hong Kong is to take

70% of the electricity produced.

2.

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There is mounting public concern in Hong Kong about the safety implications of the project. This has been taken up by Unofficial members of the Legislative Council, who have

secured an adjournment debate on the issue on 16 July.

3.

Our officials have held urgent discussions and drawn up a programme of measures to allay public concern in Hong Kong. As you know, the issue was raised with General Secretary Hu Yaobang during his visit to London. In conjunction with the French Government we have since made high-level representations in Peking, urging the Chinese to take clear public steps to demonstrate their commitment to safety at Daya Bay. Our officials are arranging briefing, in Hong Kong and in Europe, for Hong Kong opinion-formers to reassure them about the safety record and features of the French PWR design which will be used.

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