§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he will state when the appeal of John Mackenzie, Plock of Kyle, Lochalsh, Ross-shire, against the decision of the Crofters' Commission in December, 1891, will be heard; is he aware that, in consequence of the delay, there is a danger of Mackenzie being evicted from his holding, and that the county rate collector has threatened proceedings for nonpayment of rates assessed upon the old rent; whether the rates should be 362 assessed upon the rent fixed by the Crofters' Commission; and whether proceedings will be stayed until the decision of the Appeal Court has been given?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, BridgetonI am informed by the Crofters' Commission that the appeal mentioned will be heard as soon after the end of this month as is practicable. John Mackenzie's rent was reduced by the Commission from £8 to £4, and his arrears of £08 8s. 6d. cancelled down to £12, that sum being made payable in three instalments of £4 each. As Mackenzie has challenged the decision of the Commission by lodging an appeal, the county rate collector is entitled to assess upon the old rent; but if Mackenzie disputes this he can consign the amount without prejudice to his appeal. I have ascertained that the landlord has taken no proceedings to remove Mackenzie.
§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he will state when the appeals against the decisions of the Crofters' Commission in the Lochalsh district of Ross-shire will be heard?
SIR G. TREYELYANI am informed by the Crofters' Commission that the appeals from the quarter mentioned will be heard as soon after the end of this month as is practicable.