HC Deb 12 May 1896 vol 40 cc1129-30
MR. W. T. DOXFORD (Sunderland)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether the German sailing vessel Carl Both was recently chartered by the War Office to carry coal from Hull to Cape Town; and, if any inquiries were made by the War Office is to whether there were any British ships available?

*THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODBICK,) Surrey, Guildford

The answer to both sections of the Question is in the affirmative. I may add, that every effort is made to secure British shipping for the transport of coal to foreign coaling stations, but for cheapness it is desirable to send it in sailing vessels, and it often happens, as in the present instance, that no suitable British vessel is offered.

MR. W. ALLAN (Gateshead)

May I ask the hon. Gentleman why a steamer was not employed for carrying coals out to the Cape instead of a sailing vessel?

*MR. BRODRICK

I am afraid I cannot answer the Question off-hand. All I can say is, that every effort was made to find a British vessel.