Telecommunications Masts (Hansard, 27 July 2000)

§ Mr. Dismore
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) which mobile phone companies have notified him of a change in their policy on selecting sites for mobile phone masts to take account of the Stewart report; what such changes in policy are, in each case; and if he will make a statement; [132934]
(2) what recent discussions he has had with each of the mobile phone operators concerning their policy on the siting of mobile phone masts; and if he will make a statement. [132935]

§ Ms Beverley Hughes
My officials have met each of the mobile phone operators at least twice since the Stewart report was published on 11 May. They have discussed the range of actions being taken forward by Government in response to the Stewart report's recommendations on planning and the role of the operators in taking forward the recommendations, including those about base stations on and near schools and about mast sharing.
The Federation of the Electronics Industry (FEI) issued a response to the Stewart report on 11 May. This included an explanation of the policy of the mobile phone operators on the siting of base stations. The response is available on their website at "www.fei.org.uk".

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the Department of Health on amending his planning guidance notes to adopt a precautionary approach to health risks from mobile telephone masts; what assessment he has made of the report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones; and if he will make a statement. [132582]

§ Ms Beverley Hughes
The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (chaired by Sir William Stewart) published its report on mobile phones and health on 11 May.
The group recommended a precautionary approach, comprising a series of specific measures, to the use of mobile phone technologies until we have more detailed 768W and scientifically robust information on any health effects. The Government accepts the recommended precautionary approach advised by the Stewart report.
In its response to the group's report the Government said that it was minded to introduce a requirement for full planning permission for all new telecommunications masts, but would need to consult widely before doing so, including on the principle and precise scope of any new arrangements. We intend to issue shortly a consultation paper on this and related guidance which will include consideration of health concerns.
Discussions have been held with the all relevant Government Departments, including the Department of Health, in drawing up the consultation paper and related guidance.