§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will consider providing funds for research in the United Kingdom into all aspects of the environmental effects of electromagnetic fields;
(2) what information he has as to research studies investigating the possibilities of adverse effects on human health arising from residence in close proximity to high voltage overhead power cables.
§ Mr. GoodladInformation on research into possible effects on human health from high voltage overhead power lines has been published in the medical and electrical press and in conference reports. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received an annual report from the Central Electricity Generating Board on its own research and worldwide monitoring programme in this field. The board's programme has been subject to independent review by its epidemiology advisory committee and by my right hon. Friend's Advisory Council on Research and Development. I am advised that the research has given no reason to suppose that electric or magnetic fields or air-ions as normally encountered by people living or working near power transmission plant in the United Kingdom are harmful to health. The Government see no need to fund an increase in the programme.
§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to restrict the erection of high voltage overhead power cables near to occupied dwellings.
§ Mr. GoodladThe Government have no plans to introduce new restrictions on the erection of high voltage overhead power lines near to occupied dwellings.