§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)asked the Lord Advocate, Whether he has yet received a Report regarding the case of John Mackay, aged 17, recently found dead in the Island of South Harris, and whose death was ascribed by the police to exposure; whether it is true, as stated by the lad's mother, that his body was stabbed in two places, and 891 bore other marks of violence indicative of death by foul play; and, whether any regular official inquiry has been held into the circumstances of the case, beyond that which the mother mentions as having been made by the local policeman?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)Yes, Sir. This case was reported by the local constable to the Procurator Fiscal, who made inquiries. The body was examined by Dr. Stewart, of Tarbert, who gave a certificate that the death was caused by exposure. In answer to the second paragraph, I have to say that there were a few slight marks on the body, none of which could have caused or accelerated death, and which there was no evidence to show had been caused by inflicted violence. In answer to the third paragraph, I have to say that on the case being reported to the Crown Council, the Advocate Deputy ordered a further inquiry, and an additional Report was forwarded. Crown Counsel then ordered that no further proceedings should take place. In consequence of a communication received by me since this Question was put on the Paper, I have directed some further inquiries to be made.