§ MR.BRAMSDON (Portsmouth)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the dockyard authorities at Portsmouth are supplying coals to the Russian ships there, although such coals can be obtained from private firms in the locality at current prices; and whether there are any, and, if so, what, instructions given to the Royal Dockyards in reference to the supply of coals under the circumstances before detailed.
§ (Answered by Mr. Edmund-Robertson.) The coals were supplied from the Admiralty stock as a matter of international courtesy at the request of the Russian Embassy and under instructions from the Admiralty. The instructions in force at the Royal Dockyards are to the effect that supplies similar to that now in question are not to be made except on prior Admiralty authority.