HC Deb 04 February 1982 vol 17 c210W
39. Mr. Myles

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there is any evidence that soil pH levels are falling since the withdrawal of the lime subsidy.

Mrs. Fenner

While there has been a long-term decline in the use of lime, particularly in hill and upland areas, there is as yet no firm statistical, evidence that soil pH values have declined in England and Wales. In Scotland there is evidence of an increase in the proportion of soil samples showing low pH. Liming is an essential and cost effective operation of normal good husbandry as my Department and the industry are constantly emphasising.