§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what freshwater bodies in the United Kingdom have become unable to support fish stocks because of acidification as a result of anthropogenic emissions of sulphur compounds; and, in each case, if a return to former viability is expected to be achieved by the end of the century, with or without liming operations.
§ Mrs. RumboldThere are a number of man made and natural causes of acidification. The freshwaters where fish stocks have been most affected by acidification are mainly areas of high rainfall and acid geology in the north arid west of Britain. A report by my Department's acid waters review group identifying the most susceptible areas will soon be published.
545WIt is not possible to say whether or when the affected waters might be returned to their former biological status. Research is being carried out to investigate causes and possible remedies.
§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what fall there has been in the level of emission of sulphur dioxide from United Kingdom sources between 1979 and 1984.
§ Mrs. RumboldUnited Kingdom sulphur dioxide emissions fell from an estimated 5.34 million tonnes in 1979 to an estimated 3.54 million tonnes in 1984, a fall of 33.7 per cent.