38. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the total number of battleships, battle cruisers, second-class cruisers, and destroyers, respectively, now in commission which are equipped for the use of oil fuel; if a record has been kept to show how the running costs of such vessels compare with those equipped for coal consumption; and, if so, whether it has been found that oil fuel has proved more economical than coal?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI must refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the Noble. Lord the Member for Portsmouth on the 18th February, and to the statement I made to the House when introducing the Navy Estimates.
Mr. F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in that reply there is no answer given to the last part of the question, and will he kindly give the reply?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir, I have nothing to add to the statement which I then made.
Mr. F. HALLIs the House to understand that it is not entitled to ask which is the best means, either coal or oil fuel, for the use of the ships of His Majesty's Navy?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir, that would be a very proper question, but I cannot deal with it at Question Time. I have frequently addressed myself to it at other times.