§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
How much has been spent at 1981 prices in each year since 1970 by (a) the United Kingdom Government and (b) the EEC on United Kingdom projects to study the extent, causes and effects of acid rain, and 667WA how much, at 1981 prices, they expect to be spent in the current year, and in 1983.
§ The Earl of AvonThe details requested are not readily available; one difficulty is that much air pollution research not specifically directed to the problem of acid rain is nevertheless relevant to it—for example, basic work on atmospheric chemistry.
For recent years, in 1981–82 the Department of the Environment spent approximately £1.5m on relevant research, the Natural Environment Council £1.0m and the CEGB £2.5m. Expenditure by DoE in 1982–83 on relevant research will be somewhat smaller (about £1.3m at current prices) consequent upon a general reduction in research expenditure. Expenditure for 1983–84 is currently under consideration.
Expenditure by the EEC on relevant UK projects amounted to about £150,000 during the Environmental Research Programme of 1976–80; we have no annual breakdown. Details of contracts for the 1981–85 Programme are not yet available.