§ MR. J. CALDWELL (Lanark, Mid)On behalf of the hon. Member for Ross and Cromarty (Mr. J. G. WEIR), I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that the constable recently stationed at Applecross, Ross-shire, is occupied almost exclusively in performing the duties of a gamekeeper; and whether, in view of the fact that the appointment of this constable throws an extra burden on the rates which the crofters, cottars, and fishermen of the district can ill afford, he will consider the advisability of suggesting to the Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland that no new appointment of this character should be made, but that owners of deer forests should, at their own cost, provide any protection for deer which they consider necessary?
§ * THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. GRAHAM MURRAY, Buteshire)I am informed that this constable is never employed as a gamekeeper. His appointment was sanctioned by the late Secretary for Scotland, in May 1895, on the recommendation of the Standing Joint Committee of the County and the County Council.