§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)asked the Lord Advocate, with reference to the case of Hugh Matheson, at present undergoing 12 months' imprisonment for rioting at Clashmore, Sutherlandshire, Whether the Secretary for Scotland has yet investigated the statements contained in the five statutory declarations placed in his hands on the 15th ultimo, and showing that Matheson was not in the riot, but had been convicted in error; whether he has since received other statutory declarations to the same effect; whether the prisoners convicted at the same time as Matheson have made declarations as to his innocence; whether he has any objection to lay copies of the declarations in question upon the Table of the House; and, whether the persons who signed the declarations have been examined on 868 behalf of the Secretary for Scotland; and, if so, on what date?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)The statements referred to have been considered, and inquiries are being made into the matter. Declarations have also been made by the prisoners who were convicted along with Matheson, and other declarations have been lately received. I must decline to lay any Papers on the Table of this House, or to state what steps are being taken by the Secretary for Scotland; but I can assure my hon. Friend that most earnest attention is being given to the matter.