HC Deb 19 June 2000 vol 352 c73W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he plans to take to inform consumers about technical matters including the absorption rate of radio frequencies on mobile phones, to ensure they can make informed choices regarding mobile phone use; and if he will make a statement.[126274]

Mr. Byers

The Government are committed to providing consumers with sufficient information on mobile phones and health in order that they may make informed choices when purchasing and using a mobile phone.

The Government are supporting the European electrical standard setting body, CENLEC, in developing a standard for measuring the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values of mobile phones. (The SAR refers to the rate of absorption by the human body of electromagnetic radiation). The standard will be adopted in the UK once it has been finally approved. The Government believe that the consumer should have access to the SAR values when considering purchasing a mobile phone. The Government will expect SAR measurements to be displayed at all points of sale and with each mobile phone and on the world wide web. The Government consider that the SAR value should be viewed in context, for example, by comparing the SAR value against the recommended exposure limits. We will work with industry to ensure this information is provided.

In addition, we have already started discussions on the provision of information on health aspects of mobile phone technology. This information will be provided in a widely available leaflet and will include details of how the technology works, including a description of what is meant by "Specific Absorption Rate". We will be working with the industry to provide the technology information in easy to understand language.