§ 15. Mr. Ridleyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the consumption of coal and oil, respectively, for fuelling purposes in the British Navy for the year 1936; and what were the comparative figures for 1913?
§ Sir S. HoareThe quantities of coal used by the Royal Navy in 1913 was 1,977,000 tons, and in 1936, 434,000 tons. I regret that information concerning the amount of oil fuel used is not for publication.
§ Mr. PalingIs the use of oil fuel progressing, to the disadvantage of coal?
§ Sir S. HoareI am not sure what the hon. Member means. Perhaps he will put the question down.
§ Mr. PalingThere is a tendency for ships to use oil instead of coal, and what I am asking is whether that is still going on?
§ Sir S. HoareYes, Sir.
§ Mr. G. HallIs coal fuel used solely for ships?
§ Sir S. HoareI believe the figure I gave includes only the coal used in ships, but I will look into it.
§ Mr. MaxtonWhat is the objection to giving the information asked for about oil fuel?
§ Sir S. HoareIt would be disclosing information as to the amount of time British ships are at sea, and I do not think such information is given by any other country.
§ Mr. MaxtonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that information was refused to the Committee last night, and that it appears on the front page of a paper to-day? Is he further aware that there are other means for finding out the fuel consumption of the Navy than by questions and answers in the House of Commons?
§ Sir S. HoareI cannot imagine it.