§ Mr. Simon Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to protect ancient monuments and historic buildings from the effects of acid deposition.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe large reductions that have occurred over the last few decades in the levels of sulphur dioxide in urban areas are a major factor in helping to protect anicent monuments and historic buildings from corrosion. My Department has supported research into the connection between pollution levels and corrosion rates for different building stones, and the development of a technique of stone preservation. Proposals are under consideration for extended research into the effects of acid deposition on economic materials.