§ Sir Trevor SkeetTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has of connection between the electromagnetic field attending high voltage transmission lines and the occurrence of leukaemia.
§ Mrs. CurrieThere have been a number of studies published over the years on the possible health effects of exposure to the electro-magnetic fields produced from 93W high voltage power lines. Although some studies have indicated the possibility of a small increased risk of leukaemia, these studies have been limited and far from conclusive, and others have failed to find such evidence.
I am aware that the authors of one recent study done in the United States of America reported a possible association of magnetic fields with incidence of leukaemia and certain childhood cancers but that they did not regard their results as conclusive and recommended further study.
Further studies are under way or planned, including an independent survey of childhood cancer cases in England and Wales using new techniques for measuring magnetic fields in homes. The United Kingdom electricity supply industry expects to spend in the order of £1 million on supporting research in this area in 1988. The Department will continue to keep the evidence under review.