Written question asked by Chris Ruane (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what guidelines are in place to encourage siting of mobile telephone masts away from areas of population when there is no bearing on the quality of reception; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidelines are in place to encourage siting of mobile telephone masts away from areas of population when there is no bearing on the quality of reception; and if he will make a statement. [199302] Keith Hill: Current planning guidance for all electronic communication developments is set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 (revised) (PPG8). The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has also issued a Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development. As mobile telecommunications systems are demand- led, the increase in the use of mobile phones has meant that operators need to continually expand their networks to accommodate customer requirements of service and quality. The greatest need for base station sites is usually in built-up areas where there is the greatest density of mobile users and within a mile or two of the main roads, where the demands on network capacity are greatest. The Stewart Report on Mobile Phones and Health, published in May 2000, did not recommend that the erection of mobile phone masts should be restricted in residential areas and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to introduce such a restriction.

Secondary information