MR. JOHN WILSON (Falkirk)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if considerable amounts of coal, other than coal contracted for, have been purchased lately, not only for the use of the Navy, 730 but for the replenishment of stores abroad, not alone from South Wales but from other districts of England, such as Northumberland and Durham; if he is aware that Scotch coal owners, although some are on the Admiralty list, have not been asked to tender at this time; and if he will see that they shall in future be asked to quote for supplies.
§ THE CIVIL LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.The Admiralty have purchased nothing but Welsh steam coal recently.