§ MR. R. G. WEBSTER (St. Pancras E.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the increasing output of steam coal from the coal fields of Nova Scotia suitable for coaling Her Majesty's North and South American Squadrons; whether he is aware that this coal is 78 used extensively by foreign navies and British and foreign merchant vessels calling at Halifax and Cape Breton, Canada; and if steps are taken to supply British men-of-war at Canadian stations with this coal and also to replenish the coal supply at Bermuda from these coal fields.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. W. E. MACARTNEY,) Antrim, S.These coals have been used from time to time in Her Majesty's ships and for yard services at Halifax. They are bituminous and smoky, and their general use in Her Majesty's ships was discontinued in 1887, when the use of bituminous coal mixed with Welsh was given up throughout the Service and Welsh coal only used. In the present year purchases of Nova Scotian coals have been made for issue at Halifax to Her Majesty's ships for trial, and reports have been called for. With regard to the second paragraph, it is known that stocks of local coal are kept at Halifax and other local ports, which it is presumed is supplied to ships requiring replenishment thereat.