§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have for researching the non-thermal effects of electromagnetic fields; and if he will make a statement. [7974]
§ Ms BlearsElectromagnetic fields (EMF) can arise from a wide range of sources including telecommunications at high frequencies and the electric power supply at low frequencies. The Stewart report on1344W mobile phones and health made a recommendation that a substantial research programme should be set up under the aegis of a demonstrably independent panel and financed by the mobile phone companies and the public sector. The mobile telecommunications and health research programme, jointly funded by Government and industry, has now been set up under the direction of an independent programme management committee. The committee is currently assessing a range of research proposals, including some that are designed to look at non-thermal effects. Information about this programme can be found on the Department's website at www.doh.gov.uk/mobilephones.
Research into the broader area of electromagnetic fields and health is continuing within the Department's radiation protection research programme, the work of the National Radiological Protection Board, the EMF Biological Research Trust and that of the World Health Organisation to which the United Kingdom contributes funding and expertise.