§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set up an investigation into the effects on(a) fauna and flora, (b) lakes and rivers, (b) buildings and (d) the acid deposits in the Snowdonia national park.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe Welsh Office, with the Department of Environment, is investigating the effects of acidic deposition on fauna and flora, lakes and rivers, and buildings, through a number of research projects. When the results of these studies have been fully assessed, consideration can be given to the need for further research in specific areas, including Snowdonia.
299W
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has any evidence of the effect of increased coniferous afforestation on the levels of acidity in soil and water in(a) Snowdonia, (b) Mid Wales and (c) Wales generally; and if he will indicate whether his Department has instigated, or provided financial support for, studies into this matter.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe Department provides financial support for a number of projects concerned with acidification in those areas most sensitive to the effects of acidic deposition, which are mainly in Mid Wales. Early evidence shows that coniferous afforested catchments are more acidic than adjacent moorland streams.
County Local authority basic allocations Local authority specific allocations for renovation Housing corporation allocations for new build and rehabilitation £ million £ million £ million Clwyd 10.643 1.036 5.704 Dyfed 10.736 1.535 6.428 Gwent 20.305 1.128 12.407 Gwynedd 6.852 1.477 4.686 Mid Glamorgan 24.413 10.397 14.007 Powys 3.631 0.060 1.953 South Glamorgan 14.167 1.000 9.444 West Glamorgan 14.491 0.303 9.106 105.238 16.936 63.735 Unallocated—£21.582 million.
Housing capital allocations are made at district level and local authorities are free to determine their own expenditure priorities in the light of the needs of their particular area. They are, however, encouraged to concentrate on renovation, including the priority estates projects and enveloping block repair schemes.
Housing association information relates to allocations for new units and rehabilitation of existing units.
No decisions have yet been taken on the level of allocations for future years.