§ MR. HUSSEY VIVIANsaid, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether it is a fact that a decision has recently been come to by the Admiralty with reference to the use of North Country Coal on board Her Majesty's ships; and. if so, whether he has any objection to state what that decision is?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, in 1867, in consequence of a Report from the West Coast of Africa, in which the capture of a slaver was attributed to the smokeless character of the coal used, an order was given recommending the disuse, for the time, of bituminous coal in all sea-going ships. After careful consideration, it has been determined to modify this order; and directions have been given to use mixed coal, consisting of two-thirds Welsh and one-third North Country coal, in Her Majesty's ships, except on the China and African stations. Orders have been given as to modifications in the furnace doors and fire-grates which will be necessary for the use of mixed coal.