§ Bob Spink (Castle Point)Serious research shows that young children absorb up to 50 per cent. more radiation in their brains than adults from mobile telephones. International safety tests used to measure the absorption of radiation may therefore be inadequate—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I ask hon. Members to leave the Chamber quietly. An hon. Member is presenting a petition.
§ Bob SpinkAt best, the evidence that radiation poses a health risk is inconclusive. My constituents, led by Maria Farrell, are therefore right to compile this petition calling for a precautionary approach, especially with regard to children living on Canvey island.
The petition states:
To the honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled.The Humble Petition of the concerned residents of Canvey Island shewethThat the proposed erection of a mobile phone antenna and cabin in Crescent Road, Canvey Island, should be abolished, as residents have considerable fear of the microwave radiation which is still subject to investigation, and the proposed site is central to an area where children are frequently playing, particularly during school holidays, and children currently live, and will in the future live, in close proximity to this proposed antenna, and the long term effects of exposure to microwave radiation are unknown and our children's health should not be jeopardised.Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your honourable House will urge the Castle Point Borough Council to rescind their decision to allow the erection of a mobile telephone antenna and cabin.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
§ To lie upon the Table.