§ 58. Lord C. BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can see his way, in Section 2, Vote 8, of the Navy Estimates for 1913–14, to place the sum of money required for oil fuel, freight, and expenses of hired vessels in a separate category, and not combine these items with coal, patent fuel, etc., as at present?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I regret that I am unable to comply with the request of the Noble Lord, as it would not be in the public interest to publish the information in the detailed form suggested.
§ 59. Lord C. BERESFORDasked the names of the contractors for supplying the Navy with oil fuel; the locality from which the fuel is obtained; what is the present price of oil fuel paid by the Admiralty; and what is the present rate of freight paid by the Admiralty for oil fuel?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt would not be in the interests of the public service or in 478 accordance with Admiralty practice to give details of contracts or charges. I may state, however, that the Admiralty invites tenders for oil fuel from all the large producers, and the bulk of the contracts have usually fallen to American and Roumanian contractors.
§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked whether any Report has yet been issued by the Royal Commission on Oil Fuel; and, if so, whether he will lay it upon the Table of the House?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir; the inquiry throughout is strictly confidential.