HC Deb 29 July 1908 vol 193 cc1500-1
MR. MORTON

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he has any further information with regard to the alleged burning of crofters' houses in the parish of Creich, Sutherlandshire.

MR. SINCLAIR

I have received a report from the Chief Constable stating. that a house in the Parish of Creich, in the occupation of John Murray, was burned by a Sheriff's officer on the 18th instant. It seems to be a matter of some doubt whether Murray was a crofter who had paid rent to Mrs. Hadwin the owner of the estate or not. I am making further inquiries and shall inform my hon. friend.

MR. MORTON

Who is the owner of the property and who authorised the burning of the house?

MR. SINCLAIR

I have said I am still making inquiry as to the facts.

MR. VINCENT KENNEDY

Were the premises evicted before they were set fire to?

MR. SINCLAIR

I assume so. The Sheriff's officer acted on a decree of the Court.

MR. BYLES (Salford, N.)

Was the house sot fire to in order to get the tenant out?

*MR. SPEAKER

The right hon. gentleman has already stated that he is further inquiring into the facts.