§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research her Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the health effects of microwave radiation emitted from telecommunication masts. [12946]
§ Mr. WorthingtonNo specific research has been commissioned in relation to Northern Ireland. However, the Department of Health is currently supporting the following initiatives:
- 1. the review of possible health effects of electromagnetic fields, including mobile phone (microwave) frequencies, being undertaken by the Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation to the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB):
- 2. the World Health Organisation's study of electromagnetic fields; and
- 3. the Department's own radiation protection research programme.
In addition, a European Commission Expert Group has recommended a programme of scientific research to address the subject of mobile telephony and human health.
The Government obtains advice from NRPB on the risks to health of exposure to electromagnetic fields. Field strengths of electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phone transmitters, at locations to which the public would normally have access, are below the limits of exposure recommended by the NRPB published in "Documents of the NRPB, Vol. 4, No. 5, 1993", a copy of which is in the library.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations she has received concerning the health effects of telecommunication masts. [12945]
§ Mr. WorthingtonI have received representations from six MPs passing on concerns from 10 members of the public and two representations from local councillors.