§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the significance of "acid rain' in the United Kingdom; what steps he is taking in pursuance of this assessment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe most recent evidence shows that the acidity of rainfall in the United Kingdom is broadly consistent with that in other European countries. There are certain indications that it may have contributed to increased levels of acidity in some inland waters. The Government are currently financing a programme of research into the causes and effects of acid precipitation, and the question of further action to limit it will be kept under review in the light of this research and of relevant technological developments.
Acid precipitation is a wider problem for European countries and for that reason the United Kingdom participates fully in joint consideration of it under the UN/ ECE convention on long-range transboundary air pollution.