§ MR. DAVID THOMAS (Merthyr Tydvil)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty to what extent New Zealand (Westport) coal is being used by the China Squadron, and whether its use is due to any deficiency in the supply obtainable from ordinary sources or to the lower price; whether the Admiralty have issued any Memorandum desiring that its value shall be made known generally; and if it is proposed to continue the use of Westport coal in the event of war.
(Answered by Mr. Arnold-Forster.) On account of its good quality and its comparative nearness to the China station, large quantities of New Zealand (Westport) coal are used by the China Squadron. It is not desirable in the interests of the public service to state what the arrangements of the Admiralty, as regards the supply of coal, would be in time of war.