§ MR. MACFARLANEI beg to ask the Lord Advocate if his attention has been called to the complaint of the men working in the quarries owned by Maclean & Co., at Cullipool Easdale, that their wages are paid only once in three months, and that a deputation of the men who waited upon Maclean & Co., asking for payment once in six weeks, was informed that they would pay the men "when they saw proper," and that anyone refusing these terms would "be compelled to clear out of the houses immediately," and that the spokesman "would beat once dismissed"; whether he is aware that the houses referred to were built by the men and their forefathers; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made; and, if the facts are as stated, he can suggest any means by which such conduct may be prevented?
§ * MR. J. B. BALFOURThere has not been time to obtain information for a detailed answer to this question, but I am informed by telegram that Messrs. Maclean & Co. have offered to pay their men on an eight-weeks' term—the same as at other quarries in the neighbourhood—if they will return to work for the current quarter, and that the men have asked time for consideration before giving a final reply.