HC Deb 20 May 1851 vol 116 cc1166-7
MR. COWAN

rose to put a question to the right hon. Secretary of State for the Home Department. The House would be aware that complaints had been made of severe destitution existing in the Western Islands of Scotland, and particularly in the island of Skye. It had been alleged that many individuals there were in a state of starvation, and that some persons had actually died from want. He (Mr. Cowan) believed those statements exaggerated, and he wished to ask the Government whether, they having sent a commissioner (Sir John M'Neil) to that island to inquire into the facts, any report from him had been received; and whether any authoritative statements had reached them of deaths from starvation having occurred?

SIR GEORGE GREY

answered, that in consequence of representations made to him of great destitution existing in the islands in question in the early part of the year, Sir John M'Neil undertook to visit that district. He did so, and had been occupied for some time in a tour of inspection; and, having returned, he was now preparing a Report, which he (Sir George Grey) expected soon to receive from him. Sir John M'Neil had, however, given him no intimation that he had received any evidence of persons having died of starva- tion. With regard to the actual state of the district he would rather not express any opinion until he saw the Report.

MR. COWAN

Would there be any objection to produce the Report when received?

SIR GEORGE GREY

did not suppose there would, but would not pledge himself until he had had an opportunity of reading the Report.