HC Deb 05 September 1893 vol 17 cc110-1
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that Mr. Gordon, land valuator, one of the Deer Forest Commissioners now engaged in Caithness, has for a number of years acted as valuator for many of the landlords in that county; and if he will inquire into the circumstances of the case?

THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, Bridgeton

Mr. Gordon is a land surveyor and valuator who has been long established in general practice, and as such has, no doubt, been employed by the owners of land. He was placed on the Commission on account of his professional qualifications, which have proved to be of great value in carrying out the work. As it is a usual custom in the case of professional men who serve on Commissions where their professional knowledge is made use of, the Treasury has granted Mr. Gordon professional remuneration.

MR. WEIR

I beg to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that, in consequence of Mr. Gordon having acted for so many years in the interests of the landlords, the Highland people have lost all confidence in him?

MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is a fact that a communication was received from the Scotch Office in London by the Commission stating that no exceptional payment would be made to Mr. Gordon, and whether he is aware that the fact of Mr. Gordon receiving payment apart from the other Commissioners has caused very grave dissatisfaction, and, in fact, has led to suspension of the work of the Commission?

MR. WHITELAW (Stockport)

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that the majority of the Members of the Deer Forest Commission are notorious advocates of the programme of the Highland Land League?

MR. WEIR

In reference to the question, may I ask whether the majority of the Members of the Commission are not Tories and landlords' representatives?

SIR G. TREVELYAN

Whatever be the political opinions or the positions in life of the Members of the Commission, I believe it to be as good a Commission as could have been constituted, and it has done its work most thoroughly. With regard to the question of the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy, I should be glad if he could give notice of it. I hope he will put it down, after having asked it now.