HC Deb 14 January 1988 vol 125 cc355-6W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest information about the deterioration of forests due to acid rain; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moynihan

I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 18 December 1987, at column795, to the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Williams).

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has of the percentage of the United Kingdom native tree species showing signs of acid rain die-back.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I have asked to reply.

The survey of forest health carried out by the Forestry Commission in 1987 included observations of oak, beech and Scots pine. The results are being analysed in relation to levels and types of air pollution at each of the sites; no information is yet available to provide guidelines on the relationship between crown thinning and acid rain and other pollutants.