§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will make a statement on the rules governing the administration of microwave therapy to patients;
(2) if he has any plans to change the rules governing the administration of microwave therapy to patients; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe administration of microwave therapy to patients is a matter for the professional practitioners, the physiotherapists. The rules governing this treatment are those of professional practice which are incorporated in training approved by the appropriate professional body — the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. We are not aware of any plans to change the rules.
The Department has given some consideration to possible dangers arising from unintentional exposure due to the electric and magnetic fields which inevitably surround operating microwave equipment. Work is currently in progress on defining possible risks and setting limits for exposure but to date there is no evidence to suggest that there is any significant risk, provided all persons not receiving treatment remain outside the immediate zone of influence of the operating microwave equipment.