§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I bog to ask the Lord Advocate if he can explain the reason why the witnesses for the prosecution were prevented from appearing to give evidence for upwards of five months, in the salmon poaching case heard at Dingwall, on 12th December last, against John M'Lean, fisherman?
§ *THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR, Clackmannan, &c.)I am informed that one of the witnesses for the prosecution was not available during the months in question, not being subject at that time to the control of the prosecutor. It was on that account that the 278 prosecution was delayed. As has been stated before, the prosecution was not one for which the Crown is in any way responsible.