§ MR. MACFARLANEasked the Lord Advocate, If it is true, as reported in the "North British Daily Mail," that the magistrates of Edinburgh, Govan, and Partick, and other places, have refused the assistance of their police for the protection of officers engaged in serving writs of ejectment upon crofters in Skye; and, if he can state the reasons 4 given for such refusals by the magistrates referred to?
THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR)I understand that in some cases the requests for assistance have been granted, and in some refused; but I have no information as to the grounds of refusal.
§ MR. MACFARLANEI will ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman if he will ascertain the grounds, and whether he will have any objection to lay Papers on the Table next week? I also beg to give Notice that next week I shall ask the Prime Minister if the Government have definitely made up their minds whether, before Parliament rises, they will issue a Royal Commission to inquire into the condition of the agricultural population of Scotland; and, further, I will ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will give me a day for discussing that question, as a matter of urgent public importance, without resorting to the facility afforded by Rule No. 2?