§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies it he will state whether any alteration has been made since the 21st November last in the position of the light vessel off the northern arm of the new breakwater at Colombo; and, seeing that tugs have been ordered in this country for the purpose of taking vessels into Colombo Harbour, will he say whether they have yet been despatched, and if not, when they will be ready.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINIt is believed that the light vessel has recently been moved 100 feet, so that it is now 950 feet from the head of the southwest breakwater. A requisition from the Ceylon Government for two tugs was received in this country last month, and tenders for their construction will shortly be invited, but the tugs will probably not reach the Colony before the end of the year.