State requested the Secretary to obtain from the Authorities at Hong Kong a report on a plan for the establishment of a Lighthouse and Light Vessel on the Pratas Shoals, which is inclosed. In this report, it is proposed to obtain the necessary information.
310 has not yet been procured. In the meantime, my Lords have received Reports from Captain Fisher, of the Royal Engineers, and by Commander Richards, Her Majesty's surveying vessel "Saracen", regarding the Pratas Shoal.
These Reports have been referred to Captain Sulivan R.N. in this Department, and have received from that officer a memorandum, a copy of which is inclosed. My Lords consider it desirable that a full report should be obtained from the Authorities at Hong Kong, assisted by Captain Fisher and the Harbour Master, or any other competent naval officer, on the plan proposed in this memorandum.
Their special attention should be called to the following points: the feasibility of this plan; the cost of such portions of the work as would have to be executed on the spot;
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