THE Government and Chinese authorities have yet to reach an agreement on contingency plans in case of an accident at the Daya Bay nuclear power station, despite one of the $3.7-billion twin reactors becoming operational in July.
The second reactor is expected to be completed by summer, and the plant will be fully operational in September or October.
Reflecting widespread concern on the safety measures for the mainland's largest nuclear reactor, just a few kilometres over the border from Hongkong, the Legislative Council's Environmental Affairs Panel yesterday pressed the Government to reveal detailsof its discussion with Chinese authorities.
But their request was turned down by officials, who maintained that such a disclosure would make any future talks difficult.
Principal Assistant Secretary for Security, Mr Frankie Lui Kin-fun, said: ''While the talks are going on, I don't think it would be wise to disclose where we disagree with each other.'' But he said the Government would seek a direct on-line communication link with Guangdong nuclear authorities so that they would be simultaneously informed of any emergency situation at the plant.
Dr Leong Che-hung, the Legco representative for the medical profession, queried the necessity to keep the discussion secret.