THE Ministry of Defence has refused to fund a 'vital' long-term health study around RAF Fylingdales to establish whether there is a link between radar emissions and cancer.
Setting up the study was one of the assurances the North York Moors National Parks Authority asked the MoD to provide before it would approve plans to upgrade radar operations at the early warning station.
Although the upgrade does not need planning permission, the authority asked the MoD to give a raft of guarantees that its new role in the United States' missile defence programme would not lead to further developments at the base.
In a response Nick Witney, director general of international security policy at the Ministry of Defence, wrote: "While the MoD is happy to work with the (primary care) trust and others to establish the feasibility and the potential scientific worth of a long-term study, any further work in this area, and its funding, is essentially a matter for the Department of Health and local health authorities."
Ryedale MP John Greenway said: "I think it's very disappointing.
"The Government needs to be prepared to do more to allay the concerns of the local community."
Updated: 12:49 Monday, December 29, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article