HC Deb 17 April 1985 vol 77 cc202-3W
Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to conduct an environmental impact assessment in the event of a decision being made to develop an extremely low frequency communications system.

Mr. Lee

The Ministry of Defence will consult the relevant planning authority under establish procedures. If it is decided to proceed with the development of an operational ELF communications system, every effort would be made to minimise the effect on the environment.

Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce a decision on the develoment of an extremely low frequency communications system; and when a decision will be taken on its location.

Mr. Lee

A decision on the development of an operational ELF communication system cannot be taken until the present technology demonstrator programme has been completed and its results evaluated. Consideration of possible sites remains at an early stage.

Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 5 December, Official Report, column 182, whether the naval requirement for an extremely low frequency communications transmitter in mainland Scotland is a United States naval requirement or a Royal Naval requirement.

Mr. Lee

The present requirement is for a technology demonstrator programme. Should that lead to a requirement for an operation system, it would be for the Royal Navy.

Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether joint use by the United States Navy and Royal Navy is envisaged for the extremely low frequency communications transmitter currently under investigation by his Department.

Mr. Lee

Present studies are concerned with potential national requirements but, should we proceed to an operational system, we should certainly be prepared to consider any proposals for use of the system by the United States or other Allied navies.

Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent so far by his Department on the feasibility study of extremely low frequency communications.

Mr. Lee

Approximately £350,000 has so far been spent on research into extra low frequency communications.

Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated total cost of developing and constructing an extremely low frequency communications transmitter in Scotland for naval use.

Mr. Lee

The cost of developing and constructing an ELF communications system cannot be realistically estimated at this stage.

Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what investigations his Department has carried out into the potential environmental and biological hazards of exposure to extremely low frequency radio waves.

Mr. Lee

Extensive research carried out in the United States of America has confirmed that ELF radiation at the levels envisaged does not represent a hazard to humans or animals in the vicinity of the transmitting aerials. My Department has studied this research and found no reason why the installation being considered for the United Kingdom should represent any environmental or biological hazard. The technology demonstrator programme will include continued investigation of potential environmental effects.