§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)asked the Lord Advocate, Whether his attention has been called to the following passage in a letter published by Mr. Malcolm M'Neil, relative to certain crofters emigrated under the Government scheme:—
The whole party of 98 souls embarked within seven days, and being unable to realize their property were compelled to anticipate their advances in order to discharge their debts and equip themselves with clothing;and, if he would state the amount of the money advanced for the purposes thus described?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. P. B. ROBERTSON) (Bute)My attention has been called to the letter in question. The amount advanced was £350, being an average of about £3 10s. per head. In the particular circumstances of last year some such advance was necessary to enable these families to provide themselves with suitable clothing and discharge obligations; but these cases must be regarded as exceptional.