§ 31. Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Air what further steps have been taken to site the forward scatter stations required as a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation radio link with North America; and what estimate has been made of the power required in the high frequency beam.
Mr. WardThese forward scatter stations are to be part of a N.A.T.O. communications system in Western Europe. Sites are still being considered. The power output will not be more than 10 kilowatts.
§ Mr. MasonIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the siting of these stations is most important and that the public should be aware of the siting of them as quickly as possible? Is he aware that Dr. Shinn, an authority on the health hazards emanating from powerful radar transmissions, has said that a 20 kW transmitter sited on level ground would be dangerous up to a radius of half a mile? Although the ones the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned may be less powerful, they are nevertheless a danger to the public and the public should know where they are to be sited.
Mr. WardAs the hon. Gentleman acknowledges, these are only 10 kW stations and not 20 kW stations. I am assured that the location and design of the existing types are such that there is no danger whatever to the public, but, of course, the local authorities will be fully consulted as to the siting when the time comes.