HC Deb 23 November 1882 vol 274 cc1919-20
MR. O'DONNELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If it is true that the Government have refused to afford Naval or Military aid to the landlords of the Skye Crofters in their proceedings against their tenantry?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

The views of the Cabinet upon this question were conveyed to the authorities of the county of Inverness in a letter written to the Sheriff of that county by the Lord Advocate, and dated 3rd November of this year. It would be too long to read that letter to the House, and I would refer the hon. Member to that letter, in which, I think, he will find an answer to his Question.

MR. O'DONNELL

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman have any objection to state the substance of that letter, and whether it is the fact that the Government have refused naval or military aid to the Skye landlords against their tenants?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

I think it would be very unwise to answer that Question "Yes" or "No," because the view of the Government on the subject is expressed very carefully in that letter. If the hon. Member will move for that letter he will have it; but to answer otherwise than in the way stated in that letter would not be wise.

SIR HERBERT MAXWELL

asked whether the right hon. and learned Gentleman would consent to lay that letter on the Table of the House?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

Yes.