§ MR. MACFARLANEasked the Lord Advocate, If his attention has been 1641 called to the statement that fifteen Crofters, who voluntarily surrendered themselves to the authorities at Portree, on a charge of deforcing a sheriff's officer at Waternish, were, while in prison at that place, served with notices of eviction; and, whether such a proceeding is regular or lawful?
THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR)It is the case that the crofters here referred to came to Portree in obedience to citations which had been served upon them to appear on a charge of deforcing a Sheriff's officer at Waternish. I understand that summonses of removing were served upon two of them in prison, and upon another immediately after he came out. I cannot say that the service was illegal; but it is, I believe, generally regretted that the occasion of the men having surrendered themselves to justice was chosen for this proceeding.