OCT 03 '86 16:48 TIBCOOU) HK GOVT
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Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang, who hosted a reception for foreign contractors and representatives from banks involved in the project before the ceremony, stressed that China would not change its policy on nuclear development, according to an NCNA dispatch from Peking.
He said that in view of the Chernobyl incident, China should put more emphasis on the question of nuclear safety.
Premier Zhao said that according to all the analysed elements, China was capable of reaching a goal of nuclear safety.
In an interview with RTHK's correspondent in Peking, the British ambassador to China, Sir Richard Evans, described the signing of the contracts as a most significant event.
Sir Richard did not agree with a suggestion that GEC would not have been awarded the contract if not for political reasons.
In HK, representatives of the anti-nuclear coalition yesterday petitioned Government House and the local NCNA branch in protest against HK's participation in the Daya Bay project. They demanded that the plant be shelved.
Legco Unofficial Andrew Wong told a forum on the Daya Bay issue yesterday that the HK Government should reconsider its support for the project if there was more evidence showing the harmful effects of nuclear accidents.
He was worried that HK people's fears over the plant's safety might lead to unimaginable consequences, some papers reported.
The Oriental Daily News quoted him as saying that he did not agree with the analysis of public opinion by Legco member Maria Tam.
In a separate report, the paper reported that a banner declaring support for China's development of nuclear energy was found at the Marine Department's cargo handling area in Yau Ma Tei yesterday morning. It was later taken away by the police.
In moderate coverage, the media reported that Legco Unofficial Poon Chung-kwong told a press conference upon his return from a private visit to the United Kingdom yesterday that HK should train more nuclear experts for the monitoring of the Daya Bay plant.
He added that he was more convinced than ever about the economic benefits of nuclear power statione after the UK trip.
P.52
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