AT least Fraser Ramsay, from Brunner Mond, does not try to convince us emissions from his proposed plant would be good for us.

There are gaps in our knowledge about the impact on our health from emissions from incinerators. However, the World Health Organisation has found there is some evidence of the adverse effects of living near an incinerator or landfill.

These include possible moderate increases in cancers, congenital anomalies and low birthweight newborns. For this reason, and because of local environmental contamination and contribution to greenhouse gases, WHO recommends a precautionary approach should be taken.

It is a pity ministers quoted by Fraser do not acknowledge the limitations of our knowledge of the effects of long term, low level exposure and the uncertainties about the potential health damage.

JL BROWN