§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to undertake or sponsor research on the possible link between electromagnetic fields and cancer, especially in children; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 9 February at column325.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy to encourage the enactment of a prudent avoidance policy with regard to electrical powerline work, which ensures that all future powerlines will be sited away from schools and houses until the possible link between electromagnetic fields and cancer is disproved; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe National Radiological Protection Board and Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment have considered this question and concluded that the available information does not establish that electromagnetic fields cause cancer. The significance of an epidemiological study depends, among other things, on the strength of the association, the presence of a dose-response relationship, supporting experimental evidence and a credible biological explanation. These tests for causality are not satisfied for the link between electromagnetic fields and cancer. On the basis of present 41W evidence, the two bodies have not recommended the adoption of a policy of prudent avoidance. The position is being kept under review.