§ Mr. John GarrettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent studies the soil survey and land research centre has carried out of soil erosion in England and Wales; and if he will publish such reports.
§ Mr. RyderThe soil survey and land research centre is currently writing up the results of a five year collaborative study undertaken with my Department's agricultural and development and advisory service. This study, which covered 17 sites in lowland England and Wales, is to be continued in 1989–90 in a modified form. Selected high risk areas will be the subject of a detailed analysis of the factors influencing erosion. Other work for 1989–90 includes the production of maps of areas at risk in England and Wales. Future plans include consideration of erosion in upland areas using existing and fresh aerial photographic data. Reports of these studies will be published in the relevant scientific journals.