TNAG-1755-FCO40-2475-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 139

TABAEE

RESTRICTED

P.

DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

1.

Concern in Hong Kong

We are well aware of the concerns that have been expressed in Hong Kong about the construction of the plant. We have reflected these concerns very fully to the Chinese Government. They have assured us that in the design and construction of the plant the utmost attention is being paid to safety considerations.

2. Construction Error

An error in the construction of Daya Bay nuclear power plant was discovered in September 1987. The Hong Kong Government received a full report on the error from the Guangdong Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company. Having considered the report, the Hong Kong Government are satisfied that the proposed remedy will restore the integrity of the plant to an equivalent of the original specifications.

3. Quality Control Improvements

I understand that improvements have been made to the quality control arrangements at Daya Bay to avoid construction errors in the future. Both the contractor ad the Joint Venture Company will ensure that 100% checks are made on all work being undertaken to ensure that it is in compliance with the approved design.

4.

Contingency Plans

The Hong Kong Government engaged the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in 1986 to provide expert guidance on contingency planning for action in Hong Kong in the event of an accident at Daya Bay. The Hong Kong Government are now formulating their contingency plans on the basis of the Authority's report, which was published in Hong Kong on 5 May. The main thrust of the report is that no evacuation plan is necessary.