HEALTH chiefs should promise to check emissions from RAF Fylingdales once upgrades to the tracking station are completed, an MP said today.
John Greenway, Tory MP for Ryedale, has asked the Government to reassure people that improvements to the early warning station are not dangerous.
He wants Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to compel the Health Protection Agency, an organisation answerable to the Government, to continue monitoring health risks from radar installations.
Mr Greenway tabled a Parliamentary written question on the issue just days after the MoD unveiled a fresh deal on the controversial "Son of Star Wars" project.
Britain and America reached agreement on "co-operation in research, development, test and evaluationactiv ties related to missile defence".
The question should be answered by the MoD early next week, according to the Parliamentary authorities.
Mr Greenway said: "I have no doubt there are no risks associated with the upgrade of systems at RAF Fylingdales.
"It's like changing a car's engine to allow it to be filled with diesel instead of petrol - there are changes, but not huge ones.
"I want to make sure the Health Protection Agency continues to monitor the early warning station for any risks. This will reassure people who fear there are health implications associated with the upgrade."
Campaigners have accused Mr Hoon of sneaking through deals to prepare RAF Fylingdales for the "Son of Star Wars" project by giving permission to upgrade computer software to improve radar capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Defence Secretary has revealed installing and testing the new state-of-the-art equipment should be completed by October 2005.
"From this time the radar will be able to support the missile defence mission," said Mr Hoon. He said decommissioning and removal of existing existing equipment will not be completed until summer 2006.
The information was uncovered following a Parliamen-tary written question from Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat's shadow environment minister.
Updated: 10:33 Monday, October 18, 2004
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