§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many representations he has received during the past three months on the issue of acid rain in Wales; and if he568W will make a statement on the Government's policy with regard to overcoming the environmental threats posed by acid rain in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettWe have received a number of representations in recent months. The Government's policy on acid rain is set out in the 1990 Environment White Paper "This Common Inheritance" and the first year report on the White Paper published last month.
The Government have responded decisively to the threat of acid rain. In 1984, the Government adopted the aim of reducing annual sulphur dioxide emissions from all existing sources by 30 per cent. on 1980 levels by the year 2000, and we are on target to meet that objective. Emissions of sulphur dioxide in Britain have declined significantly in recent years—by about 24 per cent. from 1980 levels and by almost 40 per cent. from 1970 levels. The Government have a substantial programme of action in hand to ensure that this trend continues.