§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)asked the Lord Advocate, Whether it is true that a crofter, named John M'Leod, has given himself into custody asserting that it was he and not Hugh Matheson who, with blackened face and otherwise disguised, took that part in the Clashmore riot for which Matheson is at present undergoing a sentence of 12 months' imprisonment; and, having regard to the many weeks' delay that occurred before any decision was arrived at on five statutory declarations, which, if true, showed that Matheson had been convicted in mistake, sent to the then Secretary for Scotland on March 14, he will take such immediate steps to test the truth of M'Leod's statements as will, should they prove true, prevent an innocent man from suffering any further avoidable punishment?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)I answer the first paragraph in the affirmative. The steps necssary to test M'Leod's statements are being taken with the utmost despatch, and no delay will occur which is not absolutely necessary for that purpose.