§ MR. A. SUTHERLAND (Sutherland)asked the Lord Advocate, Whether it is the fact, as stated in the newspapers of Tuesday last, that 25 crofter families, or a total of 113 souls, left Stornoway on the previous day for Manitoba; and, whether he can inform the House how much land the emigration of these 25 families or 113 souls has been made available for those who remain?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)Eighteen families have started from Lewis for Manitoba, numbering about 100 souls. Of these, 539 two have left crofts, and 16 were cottars who had been squatters on crofts. I am unable at present to state the area of land thus vacated, or the relief to township common pasture, as I have not particulars of the distribution.
§ MR. HUNTER (Aberdeen, N.)wished to know whether it was the intention of the Government to continue to send cottars and crofters from Lewis during the Whitsuntide Recess, the Government having refused to lay before the House the scheme under which the crofters were sent?
§ MR. J. H. A. MACDONALDsaid, the assumption in the last part of the Question was incorrect. The scheme was in print, and had been laid before Parliament. It was not intended to send any further emigrants from Lewis; but he expected some would be going from the Island of Harris.
§ MR. HUNTERasked, when the scheme would be in the hands of Members?
§ MR. J. H. A. MACDONALDTo-morrow.
§ MR. A. SUTHERLANDasked, what arrangement had been made with regard to the tenant right of these crofters?
§ MR. J. H. A. MACDONALDsaid, a letter had been sent pointing out to the factor of the landlord that an arrangement would be made by which any land that would be vacated was to be made available for the neighbouring crofters; but he could not speak in detail.
§ MR. HUNTERsaid, he would like the right hon. and learned Gentleman to explain to the House why these crofters had been sent away before any Parliamentary authority had been obtained?
§ MR. J. H. A. MACDONALDAn opportunity will be afforded for entering into that matter?
§ In reply to Mr. ANDERSON (Elgin and Nairn),
§ MR. J. H. A. MACDONALDsaid, that the selection of the crofters had been made by Mr. Malcolm M'Neill, who was a man with a great deal of experience of the Highlands.
§ MR. HUNTERgave Notice that on the Motion for the adjournment of the House he would call attention to the policy and action of the Government in this matter.