DEFENCE Secretary Geoff Hoon has been challenged over claims that radiation from RAF Fylingdales could cause cancer.

York MP Hugh Bayley highlighted a controversial study by US Air Force researcher Dr Richard Albanese, which claims phased array radar equipment could have carcinogenic properties.

The radars are in use at Fylingdales, which is being upgraded for use by the US for the "son of Star Wars" missile defence project. Dr Albanese has said that he would not choose to live close to the base because of the health risk.

In the Commons yesterday, Mr Bayley asked the Defence Secretary if he had taken advice from the National Radiological Protection Board.

Mr Hoon replied: "I am aware of the claims referred to by you.

"We have not seen any evidence to suggest phased-array radar emissions at levels considered safe by the relevant scientific and medical authorities can harm either the health of human beings or, indeed, livestock.

"The claims are based apparently on material emanating from the US. We await the results of the studies made there.

"But the weight of current scientific and medical evidence does not in any way support these particular claims."

Afterwards, Mr Bayley told the Evening Press: "I am glad the Government is taking the risks seriously, even if they think they are minimal."

Mr Hoon has also come under pressure to state whether he would allow anti-ballistic missiles to be sited at Fylingdales for missile defence.

In written Parliamentary answers, he said no request had been made by the US to launch the weapons from the base.

He also revealed the annual bill for Fylingdales was £20 million.

Meanwhile, a report commissioned by the Ministry of Defence says the Fylingdales upgrade will not require planning permission, as it will not change its appearance, increase radar emissions or affect the local environment.

The report's conclusions have the status of recommendations to the North York Moors National Park.

Val Dilcock, the park's chief planning officer, said today: "The planning authority will look at this in a critical way and see if it has been a fair assessment.

"It's quite a significant document, so we need to study it carefully before we comment."

Neil Kingsnorth, from Yorkshire CND, said: "CND is calling for a proper public and independent inquiry into radiation levels as they are now as they may already be too high."

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, June 24, 2003