§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies his Department has undertaken of acidity levels of lakes and rivers; what instances have been recorded of aquatic life being disrupted owing to freshwater acidity levels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy Department has undertaken no studies of acidity levels of lakes and rivers, but, as part of the national programme of fisheries research and development, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland is carrying out research into changes in the acidity of Scottish freshwater systems. I understand that some salmon nursery areas in Cumbria and the headwaters of the River Tywi in Dyfed may have been adversely affected by low pH.