§ Mr. RENWICKasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the reason why Northumberland best steam coal is considered unsuitable for use in British warships; and will he consider the desirability of a fair proportion of such coal being used in future, so as to accustom the stokers to the use of the same, in case Welsh coal is not procurable owing to stoppages in the Welsh coal field or from other causes?
§ Mr. McKENNANorthumberland best steam coal is less suitable for general use in His Majesty's ships because of its lower calorific value, lower specific gravity, and its higher smoke-producing properties.
§ Mr. RENWICKWould the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the second portion of my question with regard to the use of the coal by the stokers?
§ Mr. McKENNAI regret I did not give a reply in the first instance. A certain amount of North Country coal is now wharfed, and the stokers are practised in using this. It is not proposed to extend it for general use.