To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what research her Department has carried out into the potential long-term health implications of using (a) hand-held radio schemes using the Tetra system and (b) vehicles fitted with Tetra masts and radios. (145999)

Government commissioned a comprehensive programme of research following the Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation report published in July 2001. The main conclusion of this research is that Tetra technology is unlikely to present a risk to health. Imperial College is continuing with a long-term health monitoring study of police users of Tetra technology.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is commissioning work to consider if any aspects of the introduction of Tetra in a Fire and Rescue Service environment need further consideration.