§ MR. MOSS (Denbighshire, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will inform the House from what collieries the Admiralty have ordered coal for use on Her Majesty's ships since the beginning of the strike in South Wales; whether, before ordering such coal, its fitness for use for marine engines had been tested by the Admiralty either by analysis or otherwise; and, if so, whether the particulars and results of such tests will be laid before the House; whether any of the North Wales coalowners have since the beginning of the coal strike in South Wales offered coal to the Admiralty for use on Her Majesty's ships; whether an analysis of such coal was sent to the Admiralty; and, if so, whether such analysis will be laid before the House; and whether the same opportunity will be given to the North Wales coalowners as was given to Scotch and north country coal owners of tendering for the supply of coal for use on Her Majesty's ships?
§ MR. MACARTNEYI must decline to make any statement in reply to the 922 Questions contained in the first, second, and fourth paragraphs of the honourable Member's Question. Several North Wales coalowners have offered their coal, and have recently been given an opportunity of tendering, the Admiralty having been satisfied as to the quality of the coal. Equal opportunities will be given to all owners of tendering coal that, in the opinion of the Admiralty, is suitable.
§ MR. MOSSDo I understand the honourable Gentleman to say that the North Wales coalowners have been given an opportunity of tendering for the supply of coals for use on Her Majesty's ships or only in the dockyards?
§ MR. MACARTNEYThey have been invited to tender for coal used in the Navy. No restriction has been imposed.