§ Mr. WEIRasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the South Shawbost cottars, island of Lewis, now located on a small portion of the Dalbeg farm, are in such distress that the proprietors of the "People's Journal," Dundee, after a thorough inquiry into the destitute condition of the people, have forwarded to them a free supply of oatmeal to keep the families from starvation; and will he state what assistance the Government propose to render to these landless cottars?
§ Mr. UREI have caused inquiry to be made, and I am informed that no application for parochial relief has been made on behalf of these cottars, and that there is no destitution among them. I am aware that the proprietors of the "People's Journal" forwarded a present of oatmeal to be distributed among them, but, under the circumstances, I do not consider it necessary to take any special action.