18 July 2008
The Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny Sub-Panel and the Health and Social Services, Economic Development and Planning and Environment Departments have worked together over the past 18 months to achieve an improved precautionary approach to mobile phone masts.
The report from the three Ministers confirms that the recommendations of the Scrutiny Sub-Panel in 2007 have been acted upon, including the establishment of a web site to be launched next week showing details of all phone masts, independent monitoring of emissions, and a further review into the perceived risks of mobile phone masts.
The Scrutiny Sub-Panel are satisfied that the work undertaken over the past 18 months should ensure that a suitable precautionary approach is taken to all mobile phone mast installations.
Quote from Chairman of Scrutiny Sub-Panel, Deputy Alan Breckon
“I believe the proposals being made and actions taken demonstrate a positive example of Scrutiny working and listening in the community. Action being taken both respects and reflects public opinion, which has been listened to. My thanks to everyone who contributed – from a few lines in an e-mail, to substantial submissions and appearances before the Sub-Panel. Thanks are also due to the three Ministers responsible – Senator Freddie Cohen at Planning and Environment, Senator Philip Ozouf at Economic Development and Senator Ben Shenton at Health and Social Services, together with the officers in their Departments who have worked hard to respond positively to the Sub-Panel’s recommendations. Finally my thanks go to the Sub-Panel members – Deputy Collin Egré and Connétable Mike Jackson, not forgetting Senator Ben Shenton who also served on the Sub-Panel before becoming Minister for Health and Social Services, and Scrutiny Officers Carol Le Quesne and Malcolm Orbell - for drawing logical conclusions and obtaining a positive outcome to the review.”
Quote from the Minister of Health and Social Services, Senator Ben Shenton
"This scrutiny review has been a good example of Scrutiny and Ministers working together. Deputy Breckon's Panel made a number of recommendations which have lead to raised awareness on an issue of public importance and amongst other things, improved data on mast locations published on the website. Mobile phones are now an essential tool used by a significant proposition of the community. The Panel's work has highlighted the need to continue to monitor developments in the area and Ministers have shown a commitment to listen and respond. All three of us want to recognise the Panel for their work. This review has fortified and strengthened the relationship between Scrutiny and Ministerial and hopefully will be an example to follow."
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