§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the location of telecommunication masts and the issuing of interim planning guidance pending publication of the findings of the National Radiological Protection Board into the non-thermal effects of microwave radiation; and if he will make a statement. [85931]
§ Mr. RaynsfordDraft guidance on land use planning and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) was issued for consultation by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Health on 8 December 1998. Copies were placed in the Library. We have received 147 responses to the consultation draft. Since issuing the draft circular, my Department has received four Parliamentary Questions and some 70 letters related to the possible health effects of telecommunications apparatus.
The draft guidance reflects the advice to Government of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) that there is no convincing evidence of a causal link between exposure to EMFs and cancer. The Board's advice is based upon a review and assessment of published scientific studies covering the fields of epidemiology, biology and dosimetry. In continuing to review the science, the NRPB takes into account the range of reported biological effects, including those of a non-thermal nature. We shall continue to take NRPB advice into consideration in developing policy on land use planning and electromagnetic fields.
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