§ DR. MACGREGOR (Inverness-shire)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that in Inverness-shire 900,000 acres of land (equal to one-third, including water, of the area of the county) are appropriated for deer forests; is he also aware that thousands of the native population of the county are unable to get a plot of ground whereon to cultivate a few potatoes and vegetables; is it possible to expedite the inquiry of the Royal Commission to which this subject was referred for report; is he aware that the Commissioners have so far this year been engaged only eight weeks in their inquiry, and can he account for two of the Commissioners having been in London during the last month; and what steps does he propose to take to remedy this state of things?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir W.HARCOURT,) DerbyI am aware of the circumstances referred to. I am informed that the Commissioners have used all such diligence as the circumstances permit. Two of the Members of the Commission are, I 1476 believe, Members of this House, which may account for their presence in London.
§ DR. MACGREGORWhat steps does the right lion. Gentleman mean to-take under the circumstances?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTI do not see that I am called upon to take any steps.
§ DR. MACGREGORIf this House is unable to deal with Scotch questions will the right hon. Gentleman agree to refer them to a Scotch Parliament?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTThat is rather a large question, and I can hardly answer it on so short a notice.