§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Prime Minister whether there has been co-ordination of research between the Department of Health and Social Security and the Department of the Environment since 1980 regarding the direct and indirect human health implications of the air pollutants associated with acid deposition; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterClose links have been maintained between the Department of Health and Social Security and the Department of the Environment on the development of research projects and on the assessment of available information on possible health implications of air pollutants associated with acid rain, both before and since 1980. In particular, the DHSS committee on medical aspects of the contamination of air, soil and water coordinates research in this area; members of the committee include experts from university departments and research organisations, with officials from Government Departments, including the Department of Environment, as observers.