§ SIR J. FERGUSSON (Manchester, N. E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the four new lights at the southern end of the Red Sea have been erected for several months; and, if so, what is the obstacle to their being utilised; and whether there is yet any prospect of a light being erected at the eastern end of the Gulf of Aden.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralThe four new lights referred to have been erected, but the lighting has been delayed owing to a dispute to as the amount due for their construction. With regard to the proposed light at the eastern end of the Gulf of Aden I would refer my right hon. friend to the reply given by the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs on 11th November last to a question by the hon. Member for Ross and Cromarty.† That reply was to the effect that the shipping interests are not agreed in regard to the proposal, and that no settlement has been arrived at. There is no subsequent change in the situation. If my right hon. friend has any further questions to ask on this subject, perhaps he will put them to the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONAre not the Board of Trade anxious to supply lights so much wanted for many years.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURIt is well known that there is great difficulty in connection with these lights, involving much correspondence with the Foreign Office.
§ † See (4) Debates, cxiv., 586.