To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what account she takes of public opinion in determining suitable precautionary measures on power frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMFs); what mechanism she plans to put in place to assess public opinion on the issues raised by the recently published Stakeholder Advisory Group on Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields report on precautionary approaches to power frequency EMFs; and if she will make a statement. (144689)

I have been asked to reply.

The recently published report from the Stakeholder Advisory Group on Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF), known as the SAGE report, is currently under consideration by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). The Government have asked HPA for advice concerning the report’s recommendations. The Government will consider the HPA’s advice and, should any further measures be considered as part of a precautionary approach, would consult stakeholders as part of the process. A copy of the SAGE Report has been placed in the Library.