THE decision not to fund a serious study into possible health risks from RAF Fylingdales is an evasive manoeuvre typical of the Ministry of Defence.

This department is the most isolationist in Government. Its leaders appear to believe their work supersedes all others. Any side-effects are therefore regrettable, but not their problem.

That was demonstrated in the MoD's head-in-the-sand posture on Gulf War Syndrome. And so it is again with Fylingdales.

When the US and British military powers decided Fylingdales should be upgraded to cater for the Son Of Star Wars folly, money was no object.

But when it comes to allaying the fears of the airbase's neighbours, the defence cash dispenser suddenly dries up. The health department should pay, say the MoD.

Nonsense. Health authorities and the NHS have enough pressures on their tight budgets. This is an MoD problem, and it should accept the responsibility.

Residents near the base are understandably anxious about a possible cancer risk. They know the Government is far from sure about the carcinogenic potential of mobile phone masts, and the equipment at RAF Fylingdales is many times more powerful.

If its emissions are powerful enough to disable car immobilisers, how might they effect a developing child? When a top US air force scientist told the Evening Press he would not buy a house near the base, why shouldn't existing residents fear the worst?

A three-month statistical study by the Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust found no evidence to link RAF Fylingdales and cancer. These are only preliminary findings.

A full, independent inquiry is imperative, and the Ministry of Defence should pay for it. Or does it have something to hide?

Updated: 09:31 Monday, December 29, 2003