§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultations(a) he, (b) his Ministers and (c) his officials have had with (i) the Secretary of State for Health, (ii) health ministers and (iii) officials from the Department of Health, concerning the possible carcinogenic effects of overhead power lines. [53136]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Secretaries of State and Ministers of both Departments are aware of public interest in this area through correspondence and questions raised in the House. Officials from DETR and other Government Departments with a direct interest meet regularly with the national Radiological Protection Board to review information and consider developments regarding non-ionising radiation, including the alleged carcinogenic effects of overhead power lines.
An investigation into electromagnetic fields and childhood cancer is being funded by the Department of Health and forms part of the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study. When the results of this study are published, the Secretary of State for Health will consult colleagues as appropriate.
The current consensus view is that in normal domestic circumstances there is no quantifiable risk to health from electromagnetic field from power lines or sub-stations.
§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will issue planning guidance notes to local authorities to advise against building homes underneath overhead power cables and next to pylons; and if he will make a statement. [53135]
§ Mr. RaynsfordI refer the hon. Member to my answer of 19 June 1998,Official Report, column 331, which explained that the Government intend, later this year, to issue a draft circular for consultation on development in proximity to electromagnetic fields. This would include the health and safety aspects of overhead power lines.