§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E )I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any fresh steps have been taken to procure the assent of the Ottoman Government to the placing of the four lights so much needed at the southern end of the Red Sea; and whether, in view of the recent stranding of a mail steamship on the Scilla Rock, and the danger to which vessels are exposed in that region, Her Majesty's Government will take steps to anchor lightships at least in the neighbourhood of Abu Ail and of the Mocha Shoal, if arrangements cannot be at present made for permanent lights?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. G. CURZON,) Lancashire, SouthportHer Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople, acting under instructions from Her Majesty's Government, has addressed a circular to the representatives of the Great Powers, inviting their co-operation in a joint representation to the Turkish Government for authority to construct a number of fresh lights at the southern end of the Red Sea, including lights at Abu Ail and Mocha Shoal. Her Majesty's Government must await the result of these communications before considering any other possible arrangements.
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will grant a return of the number of British ships stranded in the southern half of the Red Sea in the last 12 years?
§ MR. RITCHIEI shall be quite prepared to lay on the Table a Return giving the information desired by my right hon. Friend. Perhaps he will communicate with me as to the exact form in which the Return should be cast.