§ Mr. Parryasked the Lord Privy Seal
- (1) what consultations have taken place between the Hong Kong Government and the People's Republic of China concerning the proposed nuclear power plant at Shumchun;
- (2) if consultations have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the People's Republic of China concerning the proposed building of nuclear reactors and power plants in Hong Kong;
- (3) if a nuclear waste disposal plant will be built if the proposed nuclear power plant is built at Shumchun, Hong Kong;
587 - (4) if the British Government were consulted by the Hong Kong Government concerning the proposed nuclear power plant at Shumchun, Hong Kong;
- (5) what system of civil defence exists in Hong Kong in the event of a nuclear emergency breaking out;
- (6) what contingency plans exist in Hong Kong in the possible event of a nuclear emergency;
- (7) what representations the Hong Kong Government have received objecting to the proposed nuclear power plant at Shumchun;
- (8) if a feasibility study has been carried out into the proposed nuclear power plant at Shumchun, Hong Kong; and if any study will be made public;
- (9) if he is satisfied with the contingency plans for the evacuation of Hong Kong in the event of a nuclear disaster;
- (10) what qualifications in nuclear safety are held by the consultants employed by the China Light and Power Company in Hong Kong.
§ Mr. BlakerThe China Light and Power Company, which is a Hong Kong company, is undertaking a joint feasibility study with the Guangdong electricity authorities into the possible siting and construction of a nuclear power plant in Guangdong Province in the People's Republic of China. No decisions have yet been made nor are they expected in the near future.
The company is making use of the technical advice and expertise of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and the feasibility study, which will be made available to the Hong Kong Government will of course take into account the need for the highest standards of safety. The Hong Kong Government and the United Kingdom Government are in touch over the study. There have so far been no consultations between either Government and the Government of the People's Republic of China.
The Hong Kong Government have machinery to deal with emergencies of all kinds. No specific plans exist in connection with a nuclear power plant but if the Chinese authorities were to decide to build one in the vicinity of Hong Kong, such plans would of course be made.