§ MR. FRASER-MACKINTOSH (Invernessshire)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that the large island of South Uist is divided the one half and richer among 12 farmers, and the other and poorer among 1,250 families; that the Crofters have been in use to gather for sale the perishable commodity of sea ware called tangles, not only on the shores of their own lands, but also on those of the large farmers, without let or hindrance; but that, so soon as the Crofters, who had formerly considered themselves bound to sell to the proprietrix, understood they were entitled to free market, and began their operations this season in usual form, the proprietrix instigated some of the larger tenants, who do not themselves engage in the work, to interdict the Crofters from pursuing their occupation, and has in her own and their name instituted process to this effect in the highest and most expensive legal Court in Scotland; whether he is aware that, at a great open-air meeting held at Dalibrugh on the 16th of June, the people loudly complained of their treatment, and demanded legislative redress; and whether he will take steps to legislate for the relief of the people primarily interested, and against the closing of a valuable chemical trade?
§ A LORD OF THE TREASURY (Sir H. MAXWELL,) WigtonshireI have been requested by my right hon. and learned Friend to answer this question. I am informed that it is not the fact that the Crofters have been in use to gather tangles on the shores of South Uist; nor is it the fact that they have sold the tangles to the proprietor. The industry, which is comparatively of modern growth, has always been conducted by the proprietor of the foreshore on the island, who pays to those Crofters employed to gather the tangles the whole proceeds under deduction of expense of supervision and incidental outgoings, and these 330 Crofters are under no obligation to work if they are dissatisfied with the remuneration the proprietor is able to give them. I am further informed that some months ago some Crofters asserted a right to enter upon and use a farm for gathering and drying tangles. An interdict has been brought against them and is now sub judice. I believe it is the case that an open-air' meeting was held on or about June 16, at which this, among other subjects, was discussed. My information being that no valuable chemical trade has been closed, and that no change has taken place in the manner of conducting this industry, I am unable to discover any legitimate grievance which calls for remedy by legislation.