TNAG-1500-FCO40-2058-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 233

JUL 16 '86 16:58 TIB (OOU) HK, GOVT

WIR for the week ending 11.7.86 from DO (WC)

P.9

I. Items of General Interest

(=) Dawa Day Muslear Power Flaul

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There has been a pronounced change in sentiment pmong respondyola ainen the announgomong who r proceed with the Plant's construction whether Hong Kong. would purchase its electricity or not. Most respondents are now concentrating on the need for an emergency evacuation plan, early warning system, and other safety measures including constant monitoring of radiation levele in food and wakar supplies.

2.

;

There is considerable scepticism over the planned overseas visit by LegCo. mombero (and to a lesser degree of Allumeel, SES'. viule). Most respondents think that LegCo. members cannot comprehend the highly technical aspects involved; that safety precautions for such overseas plants cannot apply to Hong Kong because of different Lopographical, meteorological and demographic conditions; and that the people they meet will have a vested interest in nuclear power so will present biased information and anyway, will not divulge any secret or commercial information. Moreover, respondents believe that such information is actually available to HKNIC, CLP and the Hong Kong Government.

3.

The discussion between LegCo. members and the three nuclear experts at the Public Utilities Panel has not boosted public confidence. A number of respondents have remarked on Sir Jack Cater's role because they say, as Chief Secretary he must have had a decisive part in getting the project off the ground originally and now, naturally, it is a project he would defend and support.

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