HC Deb 21 March 1938 vol 333 c851W
Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there is a serious dearth of coalfish, commonly used for bait by lobster fishers, in the waters around our coasts; can he say what is the cause of this dearth; and, in particular, if it is related to the pollution of the surface of sea water by oil from ships?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The statistics of landings of coalfish in Great Britain do not indicate that there is any general shortage in the supply of this kind of fish. If, however, the hon. Member has in mind any particular areas where there is difficulty in obtaining supplies and will inform me, I will have inquiries made.