TNAG-1507-FCO40-2065-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 114

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

16 July 1986

knowledge of the background radiation monitoring in Hong Kong and in the vicinity of the site. This information is of importance in the context of future radiation monitoring. The recommendations on our public education strategy are under consideration, and work on the study to assess accident probabilities is progressing. It is envisaged that all the consultants' studies will be completed by mid-1987 and the intention is to publish reports from the consultants in due course. Sir, I recognise the concern of Members and their anxiety to see that these studies are completed at an earlier date. I will certainly convey those views to the consultants to see what can be done.

Sir, Dr. Conrad LAM and Mr. Hui Yin-fat have mentioned the involvement of the contractors and in particular GEC. Of course this is a matter for the companies themselves to comment upon. But as it has been raised here. I shall reply. As Members are aware, China Light have already spoken on the subject. It was public knowledge that the parties to the joint venture envisaged that GEC should become involved in the project. Nevertheless, although it was always accepted that there would be negotiations and I repeat negotiations with GEC, it was recognised that any agreement entered into with that company would have to be on competitive terms. Had GEC not been able to meet the requirements both as to price and specification, then the joint venture company would no doubt have looked elsewhere.

Sir, as I said at the outset, decisions in relation to the use of nuclear power have now become far more difficult. The views expressed this afternoon will, ! have no doubt, be taken into account by those concerned. The debate is tirely.

Miss TAM and Mr. Allen LEE, amongst others, have mentioned the possibility of deferring the signature of the contracts. Sir, I am given to understand that all the arrangements in relation to this project are unlikely to be in place before October this year. That is to say after my Unofficial colleagues' visits and reports. This is still some months away, and I have no doubt that my Unofficial colleagues can complete their visits and consideration of their findings well before the relevant date. In these circumstances, there seems no need to suggest that the signing of contracts be delayed. There is time.

Sir. Mr. Martin LEE has respectfully reminded me of the words of my predecessor in this Council regarding the need for openness. Mr. LEE has said that he found that all the relevant information has been kept under a solid containment as strong as the one the French engineers will be constructing at Daya Bay. Sir, I appreciate his confidence in the strength of the containment, but I am mildly disturbed by the fact that his remarks contrast so vividly with Miss Maria TAM's remarks regarding all the meetings and briefings that have taken place at which a great deal of information has been given. Miss TAM has, of course, chided the Administration for not given sufficient information itself, but as I have said earlier we regard our duty as being principally to encourage and urge those who are directly involved to speak to Members of this Council.