asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what quantity of coal was used in the Navy in 1919, 1920, 1925, 1930, 1931, 1934, and up to date in 1935; the quantity of oil for the same period; and where the coal and oil are produced, respectively?

As the answer includes a table of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The quantities of coal used are:

It is not desirable in the national interest to state the quantities of oil fuel used. The coal is drawn mainly from the South Wales, Northumberland and Scottish fields. The oil comes mainly from Iran and Trinidad, with small local supplies derived from Burma, Borneo and the United States of America.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the strategical value of the Welsh coalfields and the present distress in that area, he will reconsider the whole question of oil as against coal fuel?

As has been repeatedly explained in this House and elsewhere, the substitution of coal for oil fuel in His Majesty's ships would entail so serious a loss of efficiency that the change suggested is quite out of the question.

Will the hon. Baronet consider the question of some of the naval ships taking to dual firing, which I understand has been adopted by some of the naval ships of other Powers?

Yes, Sir, but experience has shown that there are serious difficulties in this system.