§ DR. R. MACDONALD (ROSS and Cromarty)asked the Lord Advocate, Whether he is aware that crofters in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, whose rents have been reduced by the Commissioners, decline to pay rates on the rents so reduced; in what manner is the deficiency to be made up; and, whether the Government would grant any sum in aid?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)I am aware that certain crofters are withholding their rates, notwithstanding that their rents are now less than formerly; but I hope they will be better advised than to continue to do so. Her Majesty's Government has no fund from which to make up deficiencies caused by ratepayers refusing to fulfil their statutory obligations, and must decline to do anything that will add to the taxation of other members of the community in order to do so.