§ MR. COHEN (Islington, E.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can inform the House whether Australian coal, which is obtainable at Hong Kong, has been used for Her Majesty's ships now engaged in China; and if so, what is the amount so purchased; and whether he can inform the House approximately of the cost per ton to the Admiralty of Welsh coal at Hong Kong, and what is the price per ton deliverable at Hong Kong, all charges included, at which Australian coal has been offered to the Admiralty.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. GOSCHEN, St. George's,) Hanover SquareNo information has been received of any purchase of Australian coal at Hong Kong, and no Australian coal has been bought here for Hong Kong. Offers of Australian and New Zealand coal delivered at Hong Kong have ranged since the 1st April last from 38s. to 54s. per ton. The price of Welsh coal during the same period has been from 38s. 6d. to 61s. per ton for cargoes shipped by the Admiralty from Cardiff.