§ MR. WATTTo ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Scotch smokeless coal was used by the Fleet on its last visit to the Forth; if not, will he say what was the freight per ton for bringing 1196 the coal used to the Forth; how does the original cost plus this carriage compare with the price of Scotch coal purchased on the spot; and will he use the cheaper coal on future prolonged visits to Scottish waters.
§ (Answered, by Mr. McKenna.) Welsh coal was used by the Fleet on its last visit to the Forth. "Scotch smokeless coal" is presumably a trade term, as no Scotch coals which have been tried by the Fleet have proved "smokeless," except when burnt at low powers. The Admiralty after making many trials of all descriptions of coals, have adopted Welsh steam coal as that which, taking into account all considerations, is the best coal for use in His Majesty's ships.