§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that, at the last General Election, polling clerks for the Island of Lews and remote parts on the Western Mainland of Ross-shire were sent from Dingwall, Inverness, and other distant places, at an excessive cost to the candidates, though there were many persons in the aforesaid districts able and willing to perform the duties; and whether, before another Election takes place, steps will be taken I to alter this state of matters?
§ SIR G. TREVELYANThe Sheriff informs me that none but local clerks were employed in the Lows; that in two cases where clerks were sent to the Western Mainland they were so sent to secure the safe and punctual return of the ballot boxes; and that their employment was not an additional expense, but rather an economy to the candidates; and, lastly, that, though two or three clerks had to be employed from Inverness, they were, in accordance with the Statute, only allowed their "expenses within" the county. I may add that the total expenses for clerks in Ross-shire, notwithstanding the number of stations and the remoteness of many of the localities, will compare favourably with other counties, as it only amounts to £74 8s. 6d.
§ MR. WEIRI shall take an early opportunity of drawing the attention of the House to the excessive charges made by this Returning Officer.