TNAG-1501-FCO40-2059-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 56

AUG 07 786 14:35 TIBCOOL) HK GOVT

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Sing Pao said that the release of the study report was a result of public pressure for information. It was a sign that the Goverment's response to public demand for a more open government and the right to know had become more positive.

The HK Commercial Daily said that the report would serve to allay the undue worries of the public about the safety of the nuclear plant.

The Express said that it was superfluous to make public the feasibility study report because the viability of the project must have already been confirmed by China before it decided to give it the go-ahead.

Ta Kung Pao published the first part of a special article on whether the Daya Bay plant should be built. The article dwelt at length on the reasons why nuclear energy should be developed in view of the shortage of other sources of energy.

Writing in Tå Kung Pao, Legco Unofficial Tam Yiu-chung criticised the move to involve primary school children in the signature campaign against the nuclear project.

The HK Standard gave banner headlines to news that China had decided to go ahead with its Daya Bay nuclear project despite local alarm and protests, and would sign the remaining contracts a month ahead of schedule. The paper said the decision was reported in the latest issue of "Outlook Weekly", an influential publication reflecting the views of Chinese leaders.

The magazine said that as a result, Umelco's fact-finding missions to Europe and the United States would have only one, instead of six, weeks to complete their reports.

Wednesday, July 30: The Goverment had decided to ask the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (Harwell) to expand the accident assessment study on the Daya Bay nuclear power project, the media reported prominently, quoting a Government statement.

According to the statement, a team of Government officials would soon go to Harwell to discuss details of the expanded consultancy. The report would be made public.

The Oriental Daily News said the Guangdong Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company had asked the French to compile a report on safety maasures for the Daya Bay plant for submission to China's National Nuclear Safety Administration next year. The nuclear reactors for the plant would be built if the report was approved.

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