§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether any prospect exists of finding coal in British East Africa; and, if so, whether he will appoint a mineralogist to the staff there with the view of searching for it?
Mr. HARCOURTSome coaly shale has been discovered in the Protectorate, but the examination which has been made of a specimen of it in this country shows that the high percentage of ash furnished by it renders it valueless as fuel. Its occurrence in a formation of shales and sandstones is stated to be a promising feature, and this point has been brought to the notice of the Governor, who will no doubt consider the advisability of making further search.