HC Deb 22 March 1990 vol 169 cc722-3W
Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the bio-hazard associated with the phased array radar currently under construction at Fylingdales.

Mr. Neubert

[holding answer 16 March 1990]: Theoretical assessments have indicated that the phased array radar will not produce power density levels at ground level beyond its immediate vicinity which will exceed those stipulated by current RAF regulations. Furthermore, a practical assessment will be carried out before the radar is brought into operational use to confirm these findings.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria currently govern the bio-hazards associated with radar emissions.

Mr. Neubert

[holding answer 16 March 1990]: The RAF is required to meet the standards set out in "Home Office Safety Precautions Relating to Intense Radio Frequency Radiation, 1960", but has issued its own more stringent regulations which impose lower maximum power density levels.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what current research is being undertaken into the bio-hazards associated with radar emissions.

Mr. Neubert

[holding answer 16 March 1990]: No such research is being undertaken by the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the phased array radar currently under contruction at Fylingdales will radiate more energy than the current radar at Fylingdales.

Mr. Neubert

[holding answer 16 March 1990]: No.

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