HC Deb 10 June 1985 vol 80 c350W
Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Forestry Commission survey of conifers in 1984 revealed any damage similar to that seen in other countries than West Germany.

Mr. John MacKay

The Forestry Commission's systematic survey of conifers in Great Britain carried out in 1984 revealed no damage of a kind attributed to air pollution either in West Germany or elsewhere. The Commission has no evidence that tree damage associated with air pollution in other countries—apart from that in the near vicinity or particular sources of emission creating unique damage symptoms—shows different symptoms from those ascribed to air pollution in West Germany. The Commission maintains close contact with scientists in other countries in order to ensure that it is aware of any new forms of damage linked with air pollution.