In an attempt to check the degradation of the Amazonian rainforests, Brazil's Chamber of Commerce will soon begin a nine-month investigation into various Asian logging companies operating there. Brazilian greens have for long maintained that logging has increased manifold and was primarily financed by companies which had poor environmental records.

The parliamentary inves tigation will conduct research trips into the Amazon to check the extent of the damage and also to devise ways to deter the proliferation of more logging companies. It will also seek testimonies from public and private officials who are involved in the logging process.

Said a government spokesperson, "In nine months, we will finish a detailed report and begin taking the measures we deem necessary to protect the environment and police these companies.'