The Science and Technology Committee has agreed to the following Report:—

1. The Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government, Sir Robert May, was right in stating that "Science is playing an increasingly influential rôle in contributing to the formulation both of UK and international ... policy and regulatory decisions".[1] Scientific advice is used to underpin Government policy and decision-making in a broad range of fields, particularly those which relate not only to health, public safety, and environmental protection but also to other policy areas such as transport. Government needs to ensure that the mechanisms which it has in place can provide timely and effective scientific advice. All new technologies can raise new and sometimes challenging issues. The scientific advisory system must identify and define the issues and equip Government with the means to make well-informed decisions in matters of public policy and to communicate reliable information to the public about associated risks and uncertainties.

2. We decided to conduct our inquiry into the scientific advisory system through a number of case studies. This is the second. The first, which examined the scientific advisory system in relation to genetically modified foods, was published in May 1999.[2]

3. We did not set out to resolve all the questions arising from the rapid increase in the use of mobile phones or the proliferation of transmitter base stations. Rather, we used the issue of the radiation associated with mobile phone communications, both handsets and base stations, to test the way in which the scientific advisory system contributes to the development of Government decisions and policy.

4. There are guidelines setting maximum exposure levels which apply both to handsets and transmitter base stations. Despite this, the majority of health concerns have centred on the siting of masts. Those living or working close to the masts rarely have any personal choice in the matter, unlike those who choose to use handsets. Operators of any installation or equipment which generates electromagnetic fields must abide by the Health and Safety at Work Act. They have responsibility to assess any risk to health and safety which may arise, including the assessment of likely exposure levels, and to take appropriate measures. This includes the provision of advice for the protection of the public. Operators have to carry out risk assessments which are then used to ensure compliance. If the assessment shows that there is an area around the base station where people may be exposed to fields in excess of the guidelines, operators must restrict access to the area. Local residents may have objections to masts being sited in their locality on environmental or other non-scientific grounds but these are beyond the scope of our study.

Conduct of the Inquiry

5. In two oral evidence sessions we have heard from five sets of witnesses. Their evidence was supplemented by some 30 written submissions which reflected a broad range of opinion. We are grateful to all those who have assisted us during our inquiry either through oral or written evidence. We would also like to thank our specialist advisers for this inquiry: Professor Derek Burke, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of East Anglia and Professor Michael Elves, former Director of the Office of Scientific and Educational Affairs, Glaxo Wellcome plc.

2  Scientific Advisory System: Genetically Modified Foods, Science and Technology Committee, First Report, Session 1998-99, HC 286-I. Back