HC Deb 26 April 1990 vol 171 cc327-9W
Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has undertaken to ensure that the proposed over-the-horizon radar transmitters on the site of the former St. David's airfield, Pembrokeshire will not interfere with the operation of RAF Brawdy and other adjacent military installations.

Mr. Alan Clark

Based on the known characteristics of the over-the-horizon radar transmitter to be sited at St. David's airfield, and its planned mode of operation during its two-year trial, the Ministry of Defence is satisfied that there will be no interference with the operation of RAF Brawdy and other establishments, or with existing navigation aids in the area.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has of the extra vehicular traffic which will be generated during the construction and operation of the proposed over-the-horizon radar on the site of the former St. David's airfield, Pembrokeshire.

Mr. Alan Clark

Such estimates will be included in the independent environmental impact assessment to be undertaken later this year.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Pembroke on 23 April, if he will give fuller details of the dangers at close quarters from high-frequency electromagnetic radiation which would be experienced within the boundaries of the proposed over-the-horizon radar on the site of the former St. David's airfield, Pembrokeshire, the nature of the danger, the distance at which it is effective and the measures taken to protect employees within the site.

Mr. Alan Clark

High-frequency electromagnetic radiation can cause warming within the body and can therefore cause damage to body tissues. An area within which high-frequency radiation levels would be too high for safe access will exist in front of the proposed over-the-horizon radar transmitter to be sited at St. David's airfield. This area, which will be contained well within the boundary of the airfield will be fenced to prevent access.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, as part of the consultation process about his proposals for an over-the-horizon radar transmitter on the site of the former St. David's airfield, Pembrokeshire, he will arrange for scientific advice, independent of his Department, to be provided to local residents on the safety of the proposed installation.

Mr. Alan Clark

Yes; such advice will form part of the independent environmental impact assessment to be undertaken later this year.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has as to the research undertaken by the United States armed forces into electromagnetic interference, otherwise referred to as hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance or hazards of electromagnetic radiation to fuel; and whether this research will be taken into account in the operation of the proposed over-the-horizon radar on the site of the former St. David's airfield, Pembrokeshire.

Mr. Alan Clark

Considerable research has been undertaken both in the United Kingdom and in the United States into electromagnetic interference (EMI) with weapons systems or with flammable atmospheres. The United Kingdom's own stringent standards relating to EMI were taken into account in considering the siting of the proposed over-the-horizon radar transmitter at St. David's airfield. The terms "hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance" and "hazards of electromagnetic radiation to fuel" are not used in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give technical details of the high frequencies proposed for the operation of the over-the-horizon radar installation which he proposes for location on the site of the former St. David's airfield, Pembrokeshire.

Mr. Alan Clark

The over-the-horizon radar transmitter to be sited at St. David's airfield radiates energy in the high-frequency band between 5 and 28 MHz at a power of 200 kW.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his reply of 23 April, if he will detail the appropriate Welsh Office regulations he intends to follow in undertaking an environmental impact assessment of the proposed over-the-horizon radar transmitter on the site of the former St. David's airfield, Pembrokeshire.

Mr. Alan Clark

An environmental impact assessment relating to the proposed siting of an over-the-horizon radar at St. David's airfield, Pembrokeshire, will be carried out in accordance with the procedures laid down in Welsh Office circular 23/88.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will arrange for a static exhibition explaining the proposals for an over-the-horizon radar transmitter to be displayed in the city of St. David's, Pembrokeshire, as part of the consultation procedure he has announced to enable local residents to consider the proposals.

Mr. Alan Clark

An appropriate exhibition will form part of the public presentation of our detailed proposals planned for later this year.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the proposed installation of over-the-horizon radar transmitters on the site of the former St. David's airfield, Pembrokeshire, will be monitored by the National Radiological Protection Board.

Mr. Alan Clark

No; but the independent environmental impact assessment, to be undertaken later this year, will have regard to the National Radiological Protection Board's guidelines covering the safety of installations of this type.