§ Mr. THORNTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the supply of coal and patent fuel for His Majesty's ships stored in the island of Mauritius is maintained in the same quantities that were kept in store there three years since?
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREhad given notice of the following question: To ask the First Lord of the Admiralty would he state the amount of coal available for His Majesty's ships now stored in the island of Mauritius; and would he give the same information as to the amount in store on the same date five years ago?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)I will reply to this question and that of the hon. Member for North Birmingham together. It is not considered in the interests of the public service to give information on the subject of the stocks of fuel or other stores maintained at any of His Majesty's depots.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREIs it true that the stocks of fuel are disappearing?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir, it is not true.
§ Mr. ASHLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say how long the fuel keeps without deteriorating?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt would depend entirely on the quality of the coal, as the hon. Gentleman knows.
Sir GILBERT PARKERMay I ask whether the answer which the right hon. Gentleman has given is according to precedent, or whether in the past information of that kind has been given?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe practice varies. In the past information has been refused as to the amount of stores.