§ MR. KEAYI beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he has yet completed his inquiries into the 14 cases of alleged infringement of the Act of 11 George 3, c. 31, submitted to him on 20th March and 4th April, in compliance with his invitation of 6th March; whether he is aware that Mr. Donald Paterson, the local agent of the landowner at Barra, is now threatening the fish curers of Castlebay with vigorous prosecution, in consequence of their claim to the free use of the foreshores below the highest high-water mark, and for the space of 100 yards on waste or uncultivated land beyond such mark, for the purposes of fish curing and of drying the fishermen's nets, &c., under the above-named Act; and whether, as the fishing season opens at Barra immediately, Her Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of taking some public action to protect those engaged in the fishing industry at Barra and elsewhere from interference and to secure to them the enjoyment of the benefits to which they are entitled under the said Act?
§ *MR. J. P. B. ROBERTSONI have this morning received information regarding the cases referred to in the first part of the question, but hare not yet had time 949 to consider it; when I have done so I shall communicate with the hon. Member. As regards the particular cast; mentioned in the question, if the hon. Member will give me specific instances where prosecution is threatened, I will make inquiry.