THE Government is ignoring concerns about electro-magnetic radiation at a North Yorkshire radar base, a new report claims.

A paper, written by a former data analyst at RAF Fylingdales, claims that radio wave levels are at "virtually" the maximum levels allowed by the European Council.

The report, by Dr Dave Webb, of the School of Engineering at Leeds Metropolitan University, says that while these levels are within UK limits, they are almost ten times higher than those advised in Europe.

Dr Webb claims that the Government refuses to accept these guidelines, preferring instead instead to use its own figures.

The paper explains that these levels may be too high, and describes some of the effects of radiation emitted from radars like Fylingdales.

It says problems include "less developed memory and attention span in children, depressed melatonin levels in cattle and a six-fold increase in chromosome damage in cows".

The report has been seized upon by Yorkshire CND, who say the Government has an obligation to investigate the report findings.

Spokesman Neil Kingsnorth said: "They must implement studies into the effects of low frequencies on biological organisms in the area."

With the base now destined to play a vital role in the US missile defence plans, Yorkshire CND also asked that the Government make public any information about how radiation levels will or may be affected by the base's role in the system.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We have said on several occasions that the power output of the radar is many times below statutory safety limits."

Updated: 12:08 Monday, March 31, 2003