264. If the research you are undertaking led to a belief or suspicion that the technology could be a health hazard, what eVect would that have on the contract?
(Mr Gieve) If there were evidence that this was damaging to health, then we would have to change it. First of all the police authorities as employers would have their obligations under health and safety. Secondly, O2 as suppliers of the technology have to meet all health standards, which they currently do. If research led us to change those health standards because of new science, then we would have to change the system.
265. With a potential loss of up to £2.9 billion.
(Mr Gieve) No. Who the cost would fall on would depend on who pulled the plug and in what circumstances. If international health standards changed, our first response would be with O2 to see whether we could not make the system work consistent with the new health standards. You have to understand that the main danger which is thought to arise from mobile phones arises more with the existing analogue system than with a digital system like Airwave. Nonetheless, if science moves on and we set new health standards, we will have to negotiate some changes, not necessarily at public cost.
Chairman: Thank you very much, gentlemen, for appearing before us. This is a very important contract. The whole Committee recognises the need for radios to be improved but, as you have heard, members of the Committee do have some serious questions about whether the system is over-engineered, whether it provides value for money and interoperability with other emergency services. We are very grateful to you for the way in which you sought to answer our questions. Thank you very much. Order, order.