TNAG-1505-FCO40-2063-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 232

SEP 18 '86 11:29 TIBCOOU) HK GOVT

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The paper said the Daya Bay controversy gave an opportunity to those people who clashed with China over the 1997 question to patch up their relations with China now by coming forward to support the construction of the plant.

Sing Pao and Wah Kiu Yat. Pao said that the difference in views among the Legco members was a "good sign" as it was impossible to reach a consensus among all the members.

The HK Daily News said that the Daya Bay debate had exposed the weaknesses in HK's political system and had indicated that it could not effectively reflect public opinion. It described Legco's rejection of calls for a special sitting as "disappointing and discouraging."

The Express said that the Governor's rejection of pleas for a special sitting was "something to be expected" because the request was not in line with the wishes of Britain and China. "What is the worth of public opinion ?" it asked. The Daya Bay issue had given the HK people the answer,

The HK Times regretted that HK people's views over the Daya Bay lague had not heen heeded at all. It praised the many groups and individuals who were not afraid to speak the truth over Daya Bay.

Tin Tin Daily New dooɑribed the coming visit by the Legen delegations to Peking as "positive and meaningful."

Saturday, September 6: According to media reports, China's Minister of Nuclear Industry Jiang Xinxiong said the carefully-considered plans to build nuclear power plants at Qinshan and Daya Bay would not be changed. He said Chinese leaders understood HK people's concern and had instructed relevant departments for careful studies. The minister gave an assurance on the safety of the Daya Bay plant and asked the people of HK to put their hearts al cast.

Members of the Legco fact-finding missions would leave for Peking on September 17. It was not yet known which Chinese officials they would meet. They would release a position paper before departure.

Maria Tam was quoted by some papers as saying that she was surprised that Richard Lai had declined to endorse the Legco fact-finding report after having accepted the invitation to visit Peking. She hoped that Mr Lai would clarify his stance.

Miss Tam told Radio-1 that she would reflect HK people's worries on the Daya Bay project during the trip to London and she would bring the Legco missions' report to London as well.

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