HC Deb 08 February 1984 vol 53 cc863-4
1. Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a document containing the latest evidence relating to the effects of acid rain on the environment.

The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Patrick Jenkin)

A brief paper on acid deposition has been prepared for the Select Committee on the Environment, which will be investigating the subject. Copies will be placed in the Library. The paper includes references to a number of published reports.

Mr. Corbett

Will the Secretary of State stop being so complacent about this issue? Is he aware that the level of emissions of sulphur and nitrogen compounds in Great Britain is the highest in western Europe? Will he pledge full international co-operation to avert a menacing environmental catastrophe which threatens human beings, plants and animals in Europe?

Mr. Jenkin

I am not sure whether exaggeration would not be a worse crime than complacency. However, I vigorously deny any charge of complacency. The hon. Gentleman is making many assumptions which the scientific evidence does not support. That is why the recent Warren Spring report on acid deposition called for more research to be undertaken. My Department is stepping up substantially the amount that is being spent on research in this area.

Mr. Michael Morris

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his report is extremely welcome? May I draw to his attention the report of the Council of Europe, which was presented last week in Strasbourg? I draw his attention also to the unilateral action of the German Government. Is it not worrying that one member of the Community should take unilateral action before we have adopted a Community approach?

Mr. Jenkin

It is only obviously desirable that, wherever possible, the community of nations should move in step. That applies to a wider sphere than the European Community. My hon. Friend knows that the United Kingdom is a signatory to the Geneva convention under the ECE and that we are taking an active role in the work of the bodies set up under that convention. The German Government clearly feel a greater need to move faster because of the effect of acid deposition on trees, and they are going ahead. We shall need to discuss the issue in the context of the Community's directive.

Mr. Geraint Howells

Is the Secretary of State in a position to inform the House whether he has received any representation from Wales, from individuals or from any organisation, through the Welsh Office or through the Secretary of State for Wales?

Mr. Jenkin

I think that the answer must be, "Not without notice."

Mr. Bill Walker

Does my right hon. Friend agree that before we take precipitate action, especially in respect of the rivers of Scotland, where obviously there have been some problems, we should first adopt a multi-disciplinary approach so that we obtain proper scientific answers and learn the cause of the problem?

Mr. Jenkin

My hon. Friend is right, and that is precisely the Government's approach. If we accepted the view of some and went into the retro-fitting—I think that that is the technical expression—of desulphurisation plant at existing power stations, the cost would be enormous and the extra cost to the consumer of electricity would be substantial. There is as yet no conclusive evidence that that would solve the problem.

Dr. David Clark

Does the Secretary of State agree with the Under-Secretary of State, who wrote to me recently and said that it was by no means clear whether even a substantial reduction in emissions would lead to significant environmental benefits? Does' the right hon. Gentleman realise that if he does agree with that statement he is flying in the face of objective scientific evidence? If he is not prepared to act responsibly on the international scene, will he accept some responsibility for the British people and start a monitoring programme, especially in urban areas?

Mr. Jenkin

I hope that the hon. Gentleman has studied the report from the Warren Spring laboratory and seen the extent of monitoring. I have accepted responsibility for increased research. I have the greatest respect for my hon. Friend's expertise in the matter raised by the hon. Gentleman.