§ MR. SINCLAIR AYTOUNsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether the List of Collieries from which alone Coal was supplied for the use of the Navy has been discontinued; and, if so, whether Collieries already on this List are now placed on a footing of perfect equality with all other Collieries in competing for Tenders for supplying Coal for the use of the Navy?
§ MR. BAXTERSir, there is now no official list of collieries from which exclusively the Admiralty make purchases. They are buying the description of coal most suitable for their purpose both in South Wales and the North of England, and they mean to send their inspecting officer to North Wales, the midland counties of England, and the South of Scotland with the view of ascertaining what coals in these districts may also be available for the naval service. With reference to the second Question, my hon. Friend will see that the former distinction is at an end.