§ MR. STEWARTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, having regard to the statements in the public journals to the effect that the crofters charged with being chiefly concerned in the recent disturbances in Skye have made their submission to the Supreme Court, the Government are now prepared to make any announcement on the subject of a Royal Commission to inquire into the condition of the crofters in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTYes, Sir; it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to make an inquiry into this matter, and I will take a later opportunity to state in further detail what it will be.
§ MR. MACFARLANEAs I understood the statement of the right hon. and learned Gentleman, it is that the Government have made up their minds to issue a Royal Commission to do that which I previously asked them to do. If my understanding is right, I will withdraw the Amendment which stands in my name to the Address, as the object with which I placed it on the Paper has been attained.
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTThe hon. Member offers me a great temptation, and I hope the answer I have given will substantially be found to satisfy the objects he has in view.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLMight I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman when he expects to find the "later opportunity" of explaining the details?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI hope to make a statement shortly.