High-voltage Cables

HC Deb 18 December 1989 vol 164 c106W

38. Mr. Geraint Howells

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the health implications of high-voltage cables.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Research into the problem of possible effects on human health of electric and magnetic fields from electricity power lines has failed to demonstrate a clinical effect upon human health from fields at electricity power frequencies.

A considerable worldwide research effort is continuing on the subject. The CEGB has been funding a programme of work over many years, much of it at independent laboratories, and research will continue when the electricity supply industry is privatised.

Officials at the Department of Energy, the Department of Health, and the National Radiological Protection Board are keeping a watch on the research which is under way. We are by no means complacent, but at present we do not see evidence for serious concern.