HC Deb 21 February 1921 vol 138 cc549-50
77. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the dependence of large numbers of the people of this country on an adequate supply of fish for food, he will appoint a special committee to consider and report as to the alleged destruction of fish and sea life by reason of the use of oil fuel in steamships; and whether adequate precautions are taken to prevent the leakage of oil from such vessels?

Sir R. SANDERS

The question of the effect upon fisheries of the escape of oil from oil-carrying and oil-burning vessels has for some time engaged the close attention of the Ministry. I do not think the occasion has arisen for the appointment of a Committee. The Ministry has no evidence of injury to fisheries as a result of oil pollution in the high seas, but there has been from time to time a considerable amount of oil pollution, and consequent injury to fisheries, in and in the neighbourhood of certain harbours. My right hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the Board of Trade has set up a Committee to consider measures for the prevention of oil pollution in harbours, and the Ministry is acting in close co-operation with the Board of Trade in regard to this inquiry.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are coastal areas polluted with oil from these oil-burning and oil-using ships, and will he see that proper appliances are used in these ships to prevent unnecessary escape of oil?

Mr. J. JONES

Palm oil?

Sir R. SANDERS

I am not aware of that.