§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial provision has been made for the mobile telecommunications health research programme. [9024]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 19 October 2001]: The Stewart report on mobile phones and health made a recommendation that a substantial research programme should be set up under the aegis of a demonstrably independent panel and financed by the mobile phone companies and the public sector. This programme has now been set up under the direction of an independent programme management committee. The total sum available for this programme is £7.36 million, the costs being shared 50:50 between Government and the mobile phone industry.
§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research projects will be undertaken by the mobile telecommunications health research programme. [9025]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 19 October 2001]: The Stewart report on mobile phones and health made a recommendation that a substantial research programme should be set up under the aegis of a demonstrably independent panel and financed by the mobile phone companies and the public sector. This programme has been set up under the direction of an independent scientific management committee. The committee is currently assessing a range of research proposals including those that investigate dosimetry, physiology and epidemiology. The first group projects is expected to start in the next few weeks. When they are approved, the individual projects will be announced on the Department's web site at www.doh.gov.uk/mobilephones.