Brake Tackles Mobile Phone Health Concerns in Parliament

4.37.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th Oct 2007

Tom Brake MP yesterday used a parliamentary debate to challenge the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Dawn Primarolo MP, on her plans to deal with residents' health concerns about telecommunications masts. These concerns have been raised by residents from all corners of Tom's constituency, from the Ridge in Purley to Green Wrythe Lane in Carshalton and Love Lane in Morden.

In the debate, Tom highlighted the need for greater research into the long term health effects of mobile phone masts and handsets.

Tom Brake said afterwards, "Mobile phones are obviously of great use to many, and have made communication much easier. But with Professor Challis, who heads up the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research programme, suggesting, "It's encouraging because they found nothing (wrong) for people who've used phones for less than ten years, but there is a hint of something for people using them more," we must maintain our vigilance and ensure that the research is regularly refreshed."

Responding in the debate to Mr Brake's concerns, the Minister stated "Some issues have been identified for further research, and they will be taken forward. I hope that we can continue to address people's concerns by providing the evidence that answers their concerns, at all times advised by the scientific evidence."

The full debate can be viewed at http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm071010/halltext/71010h0010.htm#07101030000004