§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of any damage to vegetation in the United Kingdom by ozone in recent years; and what research is in progress on this topic.
§ Mr. WaldegraveYes. Research over the last 10 years has shown that summer time ambient ozone levels in rural southern England can cause visible foliar injury and reductions in growth of some crop species. My Department is currently funding research on the effects of ozone on trees and crops through Imperial College (who also receive funds from the Natural Environment Research Council and the Commission of the European Communities for this purpose). I understand that the CEGB also funds work in this area.