On 19 January 2010, Conservative Shadow Defence Secretary, and Member of Parliament for Woodspring, Dr Liam Fox led an adjournment debate in the House of Commons on National Grid’s proposals. In his opening speech, Dr Fox declared: “I am deeply proud of local pressure groups and local residents for the dignity and self restraint with which they have handled themselves” and went on to reiterate one of the key points made by local groups such as Yatton Against Pylons that: “For a decision of this importance and magnitude, we do not believe that National Grid has carried out as thorough and adequate a consultation with the public as they should have.”
Dr Fox then went on to question the perceived health risks associated with such a project. He said: “Another issue is the unknown quantity of safety. The size of the proposed pylons is 46 metres. We all recognise that the issues concerning the impact of electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are complicated and potentially open to a range of interpretations. Given the confused nature of the advice currently available we believe that it would be sensible for National Grid to adopt a cautious stance -the ‘precautionary principle’. This would avoid the positioning of pylons and power lines in close proximately to homes, public rights of way, community routes and schools and colleges where land based lines are in use. We welcome National Grid’s assurances on this but this should not be interpreted in any way as an acceptance in principle of the currently proposed routes.”
He then concluded: “before resorting to above-ground routes, the company should be obliged to investigate other options, including undersea and underground corridors, fully and properly; the Optioneering Report is not sufficient for this purpose. Above all none of us understand the logic of a recommendation that two coastal points should be linked by over-land power lines, especially when National Grid’s own Chief Executive has described the proposed ‘Western Undersea Grid’ (linking Merseyside and Scotland) as a ‘no-brainer’. The feasibility of an undersea route along the Severn Channel must be explored. Money should not be the critical factor in determining this matter (or other route options), particularly when costs can ultimately be shared across consumers who will benefit from the grid connection over a longer period.
“We cannot stand by and watch our countryside ravaged by the 46 metre high graffiti of this pylon scheme or our property values threatened.
“All members of the House of Commons should take note of this debate. Today it is North Somerset in the firing line. Others will follow.”
A BBC recording of the debate can be watched here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/house_of_commons/newsid_8465000/8465520.stm?t=38s
A video of the debate (with transcript) is also available here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2010-01-19a.273.0
Dr Fox’s opening speech is available on his own website here: http://www.liamfoxmp.co.uk/type2show.asp?ref=36&ID=6
Also reported in:
- Bridgwater Mercury: http://www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/news/4860538.MP_steps_up_campaign_against__ugly__pylons/
- Weston & Somerset Mercury: http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/content/twm/news/story.aspx?brand=Westonmercury&category=newsNorthSomerset&tBrand=westonmercury&tCategory=znews&itemid=WeED20%20Jan%202010%2011%3A30%3A34%3A223
