§ Mr. Brayasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will institute research to determine the extent to which chemical substances in the atmosphere are restricting the growth of trees in the industrial areas of the Pennines;
(2) if he will examine ways of reducing the degree of atmospheric pollution caused by modern electricity generating stations which restricts tree growth in the uplands of the Pennines.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsThere is no need to augment the research already being conducted by the Forestry Commission into the effect of atmospheric conditions upon trees. I know of no evidence to suggest that the effect upon trees of sulphur dioxide emissions from electricity generating stations is unduly adverse. Everything practicable is nevertheless being done to keep these emissions to a minimum and to disperse them as widely as possible. The situation has markedly improved during recent years, bearing in mind the increase in fuel consumption, and further reductions will be achieved as new stations replace older ones.