§ 11. Mr. Parryasked the Lord Privy Seal if there have been any recent talks between the Government, the Hong Kong Government and the Government of the People's Republic of China concerning the construction and siting of the proposed nuclear reactor plant in South China.
§ Mr. BlakerNo, Sir. The position remains as set out in my reply to the hon. Member of 2 June.
§ Mr. ParryIs the Minister aware of the grave local public concern about the proposed building of such a plant, bearing in mind the Three-Mile Island incident? Can he give an assurance that full local consultation will take place, particularly on all aspects of safety involved in such a project?
§ Mr. BlakerWe are, of course, at a very early stage. A feasibility study is being conducted between the China Light and Power Company and the Government of Kwantung province. I have no doubt that if the feasibility study leads to plans for the construction of a nuclear power plant there will be the fullest consultation and planning by the Government of Hong Kong to make sure that their citizens are safeguarded.
§ Mr. RowlandsDo the British Government have any responsibility for, or final say in, any such project?
§ Mr. BlakerWe are being consulted by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, but, ultimately, as the proposal is to build a nuclear power station on the territory of China, it will be a matter for the Chinese Government to decide.