§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent research his Department has commissioned on the effects of acidic rain on upland flora and animal life; and if he will make a statement. [13915]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansThe Welsh Office has commissioned research to quantify current rates of acid deposition in Wales and to assess the impacts on the chemistry and biology of streams and lakes. Comparison with a study in 1984 by the former Welsh Water Authority will indicate how impacts have changed as emissions of acid gases have decreased. It is planned to publish the results of the research in summer 1997.