PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice today called for an detailed investigation into the introduction of new police radios in the Lancashire Constabulary.

He wants the proposed system looked at carefully before being piloted in Lancashire.

Mr Prentice has quizzed ministers on the safety of the Tetra communications system to be introduced in all police forces by 2004.

This new digital police radio system, known as Airwave, will replace the current analogue police radios which have long been seen by many as insecure and unsatisfactory.

The MP has raised concerns in the past over safety aspects of the new system.

He said: "Scientific opinion is still divided on the long-term health effects on those who use it and while the research goes on the guidelines must be clear on its use."

Mr Prentice is concerned about the operational use of the Airwave system and the effect the radios might have on things such as life-saving hospital equipment, readings on breathalysers and speed cameras.