HC Deb 21 January 1959 vol 598 cc179-80
11. Mr. Mason

asked the Postmaster-General if he is now able to make a statement of the dangers to operating personnel of the civil type forward scatter station; and whether a report has now been produced on this problem from the consultations that have taken place between his Department, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Medical Research Council.

Mr. K. Thompson

Some time may elapse before final conclusions are reached as a result of the consultation to which the hon. Member refers. Meanwhile, I have assurances that, at the few civil stations in this country, precautions are taken to ensure that operating personnel are not exposed to high-frequency radiation in a way that might be dangerous.

Mr. Mason

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the results of these consultations will be made public, and is he now absolutely certain that there are no dangers at all to the public emanating from this civil type forward scatter station?

Mr. Thompson

I have already answered a Question from the hon. Gentleman about any possible effects upon the public. This Question relates to the effects or possible effects on the operating personnel and my Answer is quite clear. I think that we had better await the report and consider what it contains before we decide whether or not to publish it.

Mr. Ness Edwards

As there is some apprehension about this matter, will the hon. Gentleman say that as soon as the report is available he will make it available to the House?

Mr. Thompson

I do not want to give that undertaking until we know what is in the Report. There may be matters of considerable security importance which ought not to be published, and in that case we want to reserve our right to decide in the light of what is in the Report.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Do I understand from that reply that the hon. Gentleman will make known to the House any dangers that may be there which will affect the general public, without disclosing security arrangements?

Mr. Thompson

My right hon. Friend and I are always pleased to answer any Questions which are put on the Paper.