§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice his Department gives to health authorities on patients suffering from headache, depression, miscarriage,476W cancer or leukaemia, who are living in the close proximity of high-voltage power lines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellThe National Radiological Protection Board has a statutory duty to advise Government and others on possible hazards to health from all forms of radiation, including non-ionising radiation. Its most recent advice is contained in "Guidance on Exposure to Time-Varying Electromagnetic Fields"—(NRPB-GS11, 1989)—a copy of which is in the Library. This does not advocate any special precautions for people living close to high-voltage power lines. The board has recently undertaken an extensive review of the evidence on possible health consequences of exposure to electromagnetic fields. This will be published shortly and will form the basis of any revision to the guidance.