HC Deb 06 April 1883 vol 277 cc1633-4
MR. J. GRANT (for Dr. CAMERON)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the letter of the Rev. Norman N. Mackay, dated March 30th, and published in the Scottish papers of Monday, relative to the alleged recent case of starvation at Lochinver, Sutherlandshire, and the inaccuracies therein charged against the Inspector of the Poor's statement regarding the case; and, whether, considering that there are no coroners' inquests in Scotland, he will order an independent inquiry into the facts of the case?

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR)

Sir, in answer to this Question, I have to say that an inquiry is made by the Procurator Fiscal into every case of sudden death in Scotland, and reported to Crown Counsel, who give such further instructions as may seem to be required. Having regard to the conflicting statements made with reference to this case, I shall take care that the inquiry is of a full and exhaustive character.