DEFENCE Secretary Geoff Hoon has refused to ask a highly-regarded health watchdog to monitor risks arising from hi-tech satellite technology at RAF Fylingdales.

The decision is a snub to Ryedale MP John Greenway, who wanted the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to keep track of emissions from the early warning station on the North York Moors.

Mr Greenway, a Tory backbencher, supports multi-billion pound improvements to radar installations.

But he wanted ministers to act to reassure people living nearby that there were no dangers once the upgrade was completed.

However, in a Parliamentary written answer to a question posed by Mr Greenway, the Defence Secretary has ruled out involving the agency.

Mr Hoon said: "The MoD is not currently considering asking the HPA to provide continuing monitoring of alleged health risks arising from RAF Fylingdales."

The US military has been given permission to upgrade computer software at the radar station as part of its Son Of Star Wars project, which is designed to track incoming missiles so they can be destroyed.

Mr Hoon said: "In the case of early warning radar installations at RAF Fylingdales, the MoD takes all necessary steps to ensure that its activities remain within the health guidelines established by the National Radiological Protection Board (now part of the HPA).

"After the upgrade of the radar is complete, the MoD will continue to monitor radar emissions to ensure that it remains within health guidelines, and will provide the data to local authorities and the HPA."

Mr Hoon said Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale NHS Primary Care Trust had published a study, entitled Descriptive Study Of Cancer Occurrence Around RAF Fylingdales last November.

This showed no evidence of a link between RAF Fylingdales and local cases of cancer, he said. The PCT plans to update the study every three years.

Mr Hoon said: "In the light of these circumstances, the MoD is not currently considering asking the Health Protection Agency to provide continuing monitoring of alleged health risks arising from RAF Fylingdales.

"Were the HPA to decide to carry out additional monitoring the MOD would co-operate as fully as possible."

Mr Greenway branded Mr Hoon's response "disappointing" and said he had written a letter to Armed Forces Minister Ivor Caplin seeking to clarify the matter.

Updated: 10:10 Wednesday, October 27, 2004