§ MR. MACFARLANEasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If his attention has been called to the serious and increasing agitation in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, upon the question of the amelioration of the condition of the Crofters and Cottars; and, if he is prepared to make a statement as to when Her Majesty's Government propose to legislate upon the question?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTMy attention has been called to the serious agitation in the Highlands and Islands, and I regret to learn that acts of disobedience to the law have occurred there, and are threatened. I am sure that the hon. Member will agree with me that those who counsel and encourage such acts are the worst friends of the crofters, and are not promoting their interests. I think it necessary to say, in the present state of things, that conduct of this kind cannot be tolerated; and it must be known that it is the duty of the Local Authorities, with the entire support of the Executive Government, to take such measures as may be necessary to enforce the law and maintain order. That is my answer to the first part of the Question, with reference to serious agitation. As regards the second part, I can tell the hon. Member, who is aware, that the whole of this subject is engaging the careful and anxious attention of the Government; but it is quite impossible for me at this moment to make any statement with reference to legislation on this subject.
§ MR. MACFARLANEThe right hon. and learned Gentleman will remember that last year—["Order!"]
§ MR. SPEAKERIf the hon. Member wishes to put a Question, he can do so.
§ MR. MACFARLANEI beg to ask the Prime Minister, whether it is within his recollection that a printed anonymous Circular, recommending illegal acts, came into my possession, and was passed on by me to the Government, with a desire that they should take steps for their suppression? That disposes of the question as far as I am concerned. With regard to the answer of the right hon. and learned Gentleman, he says that the subject is engaging the attention of the Government; but some months ago I received the same answer, and it was to allay this agitation that I put my Question.
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTThe hon. Member can hardly expect that I should state what legislation is contemplated on the subject, nor can he expect that at this moment I should be able to state when it will be brought forward. He knows what the present state of things is with reference to Public Business, and any statement of the kind on my part would be illusory.
MR. O'BRIENMay I ask whether there is any intention of employing Mr. Clifford Lloyd in the Highlands?