MORE people than not own a mobile phone in this country. These gadgets have revolutionised communications, and many users would now struggle to live without them.

But the wireless phone comes with strings attached. It has been suggested that prolonged use may have health implications. The masts needed to boost reception are similarly controversial.

Tomorrow mobile phone company Orange will hope to allay these fears with a roadshow in Clifton Moor, York. It deserves credit for giving residents the chance to question its staff about their worries.

But Orange should not be surprised if visitors treat the information they receive with scepticism. This is, after all, a public relations exercise primarily designed to help Orange get what it wants - more mobile phone masts.

One of the roadshow's principle sources of information is the National Radiological Protection Board research that has discounted some of the perceived dangers of phone mast radiation. The company says this is independent and authoritative work.

The same could be said of the Government-commissioned Stewart Report. Sir William Stewart concluded that he would discourage his grandchildren from using mobile phones. He also raised concerns about phone masts, recommending that those that fail to meet emission guidelines, particularly near to schools and hospitals, should be decommissioned.

In other words, there is no conclusive proof that mobile phone technology does harm, and there is no conclusive proof that it is safe.

Planners deciding on mobile phone mast applications have a difficult task. Phone-users want perfect reception wherever they are. But no one wants one of these masts in their backyard.

Ultimately officials must err on the side of caution. If there is one lesson learned from today's damning report into the handling of the beef crisis, that should be it. Good health is more important than a good line. That message should be relayed to the mobile phone industry, loud and clear.