§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies are being undertaken by his Department on the effects of sulphur dioxide emissions from sources in the United Kingdom on (a) European lakes and forests generally and (b) Norwegian lakes and forests.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy Department is carrying out a wide range of studies, including both field and laboratory work, on such matters as the status of freshwater catchments and the effects of acidity on lakes, streams, soils, trees and crops. None of these studies specifically relates to lakes and forests in parts of Europe other than the United Kingdom, but the results are likely to be applicable to conditions in other countries. We are also involved in wider international research through bilateral exchanges of research information and participation in collaborative work within the European Community and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether Her Majesty's Government are considering the payment of compensation to Norway for any damage done by emission of sulphur dioxide from sources in the United Kingdom to Norwegian lakes and forests.
§ Mr. WaldegraveNo.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations have been made by the Norwegian Government to Her Majesty's Government seeking compensation for damage done to Norwegian lakes and forests by emissions of sulphur dioxide from sources in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. WaldegraveNone.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the effect which emissions of sulphur dioxide from sources in the United Kingdom have had on (a) Norwegian forests and lakes and (b) European forests and lakes, generally.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThere is a wide consensus among the scientists involved that sulphur dioxide emissions, from United Kingdom and other European sources are involved in the acidification of lakes in certain sensitive areas of Europe, notably in Norway and Sweden. However, other factors, including certain forestry and agricultural practices, also appear to play a part and it is difficult, given our present limited understanding of the damage mechanisms involved, to quantify the effects of one country's emissions on the ecosystems of another country.
The cause of the damage which has been found in forests in central Europe is still unclear. Although air pollution is generally agreed to be a contributory factor, 47W emissions of sulphur dioxide from United Kingdom sources are unlikely to be a significant source of the problem. So far as I am aware, no damage to forests of the kind found in central Europe is evident in Norway.