TNAG-1504-FCO40-2062-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 63

1986-09-12 14:43 DPT INDUSTRY, ASHDOWN HSE

01 828 0931

P.01

Nuclear Safety

Following Chernobyl there has been increased concern in

Hong Kong about nuclear safety issues, and there is a

considerable body in Hong Kong opposed to the building

of the plant. A coalition of anti-nuclear groups collected

over 1 million signatures and presented these to the Chinese

in August. Part of this concern is about how the Chinese

take account of the views of Hong Kong and its implications

for arrangements post 1997.

The Chinese have made clear that Chernobyl will not disrupt

their nuclear plans and Daya Bay will go ahead.

We, in

co-operation with the French, have been taking action

with the Chinese in an attempt to reassure long Kong.

Our principal objective is to encourage the Chinese to

adopt and, importantly, publicise the necessary measures

to ensure safe construction and operation of the plant.

The Chinese have responded constructively and have followed

closely the concern in Hong Kong.

Fact-finding visits to other countries with nuclear power

programmes have been carried out by Hong Kong Legislative

Council (LegCo) members and their report was published

on 30 August. The report's observations are mostly concerned

with practical suggestions on safety and do not call for

the project to be halted. The LegCo members are to visit

Peking on 15-18 September to discuss their recommendations

with the Chines The majority view in LegCo now appears

!