MR. MACDONALD CAMERON (Wick, &c.)asked the Secretary for Scotland, Whether he will inform the House as to the cause of the delay in the public sittings of the Crofter Commissioners in admitted crofting parishes; and, when it is proposed that they should commence their public sittings?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)There has been no delay in the matter referred to by the hon. Member. The Crofters Act received the Royal Assent on June 25. The Commissioners shortly afterwards entered on their duties, and have been very actively engaged in inquiring as to the parishes to which the Act will apply, in settling and printing the legal forms of procedure and record necessary for working the Act, and in making arrangements with the public Departments for carrying on the business of the Commission. These preliminary matters have now been virtually settled, and the Commissioners hope to commence their public sittings at Dornoch in the first week in October.