Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Monday, 16 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 January 2006. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 January 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Acid Rain

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government are taking to tackle acid rain.

Answer: Acid rain is the term given to precipitation which has been made acidic by airborne pollutants. It causes acidification of sensitive ecosystems, such as certain soils and freshwaters.Acid rain is a transboundary phenomenon, so the best way to tackle it is through international action. The UK has played a major role in the development of a succession of Protocols under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution to reduce the emissions that lead to acid rain. These emissions are also controlled through the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive.Much progress has been made over the last few decades in reducing the emissions that lead to acid rain, and progress continues: between 1990 and 2002, emissions of sulphur dioxide decreased by 73 per cent. and emissions of nitrogen oxides by 43 per cent. Emissions of ammonia reduced by 17 per cent.The Government support an extensive research programme to examine and understand the effects of acid rain on the environment, and there is now evidence of the beginnings of recovery in some of the most acid sensitive sites in the UK. But more remains to be done, and the Government continue to work in both the UNECE and the EU to ensure the next generation of international agreements will deliver further improvements in line with the principles of sustainable development.

Secondary information