§ MR. J. G. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that Charles Forbes Hodson Shaw Mackenzie, of Newhall House, Ross-shire, has obtained a warrant from the Sheriff of Ross and Cromarty for the eviction of Donald McIver, a crofter on Mr. Mackenzie's estate at Ferrytown, Balblair; that Donald McIver was a tenant holding under a lease which expired in 1890, and since that time has been a yearly tenant at a rental of £4 4s.; and that no arrears of rent are due; and whether any steps can be taken to prevent this and similar evictions in the crofting counties, pending the passing into law of the Crofters' Act Amendment Bill, which has for its object the protection of small tenants holding under lease, and who held under lease at the passing of the Crofters' Act?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir GEORGE TREVELYAN, Glasgow, Bridgeton)I understand that Donald McIver's father, Roderick McIver, held the croft at Ferrytown, Balblair, from 1871, or earlier, till 1882, when he died; that Donald McIver took up the holding in 1884 on his return from America, and occupied it under a lease which expired in 1890, since which time he has neither renewed it nor paid his rent, and is now three years in arrear, in consequence of which legal proceedings have been taken. I do not contemplate taking any steps of the nature referred to by the hon. Member pending the passing of the Crofters' Act (1886) Amendment Bill.