§ DR. R. MACDONALD (Ross and Cromarty)asked the Lord Advocate, Whether it is a fact that the salaries of most of the teachers in the Island of Lewis, which were due last May, are still unpaid; is he aware whether there is a large deficiency of money in each parish due to the school board; whether the rate to be levied to make up this deficiency would amount to 7s. 6d. in the pound; whether, on this ground, the Parochial Boards have refused to levy a rate for the deficiency; and, what proposals have Her Majesty's Government to make to remove this deadlock, and prevent the closing of nearly all the schools in the Island?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)The hon. Member appears to suppose that the Island of Lewis is under the jurisdiction of one instead of four school boards. Of these, three have recently been in communication with the Education Department in regard to their financial position; and, although the circumstances vary in each case, the state of matters regarding all three, undoubtedly, is very grave. I can only say that the Government have the 712 facts under their most anxious consideration.