§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether his attention has been drawn to the present unsatisfactory arrangements for coaling British ships of war in the Seychelles; whether this was pointed out by the late General Gordon in his Report upon the defences of the Seychelles; whether the agent for the Messageries Maritimes is also Consular Agent for France; whether, as agent to the Messageries, he commands nearly a monopoly of the coaling wharves; whether, in consequence of the decision of the Directors of the Messageries to make the Seychelles their tête de ligne in these waters on the Australian route, the agent has applied that the space between the coal island and that on the main pier should be filled in and let to the Messageries Maritimes; and, what measures the Admiralty intend taking to prevent a coaling monopoly in those islands being formed under foreign guidance and control?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)My attention has not been specially drawn to the point referred to in this Question, but inquiries will be made into the subject. General Gordon's Report being confidential, I am not at liberty to refer to it. The Consular Agent for France is also agent for the Messageries Maritimes, and as the only coal importer he has practically a monopoly. This application should be made to the Colonial Office or to the Local Authorities, as we have no information on the subject. Pending an inquiry into the subject, I am unable to say what steps it may be proposed to take in the matter.