TNAG-1632-FCO40-2248-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-1987 — Page 101

HUMABU

VISIT TO HONG KONG BY LORD GLENARTHUR, 16-19 SEPTEMBER

BRIEF NO 16: PRESS CONFERENCE

(xi) Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant

(General)

1.

HMG fully aware of concern in Hong Kong over the Daya Bay

plant since events at Chernobyl in 1986. Have relayed these

concerns to Chinese on several occasions.

Confident that

construction, operation and management of the plant will be carried

out to highest possible safety standards.

(HMG concerned about safety aspects of Daya Bay?)

2.

We have no reason to believe that the French designs are in

any way faulty.

(If pressed)

Our confidence is demonstrated by the fact that we in the UK

live a similar distance from French nuclear power stations of the

same type in northern France.

to monitor safely

(Hong Kong to be represented on advisory body?)

3.

Understand Chinese have not yet decided on composition of advisory body. We would support Hong Kong participation, but

ultimately for Chinese to decide.

(Daya Bay demonstrates need for greater public accountability in

Hong Kong)

4.

We and HKG take full account of Hong Kong public opinion on all important issues affecting territory's welfare and well-being. Daya Bay no exception, and we have taken such account of Hong Kong

concerns in our exchanges with the Chinese on this issue.