§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Lord Advocate whether he has received any information with regard to the occupation of land at Dalbeg on the Atlantic seaboard of the island of Lewis; and what course the Government intend to take under the circumstances?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. Arthur Dewar)Upon receipt of information as to the proceedings referred to, the Secretary for Scotland at once caused telegrams to be sent to those concerned indicating the strongest disapproval of their action and expressing the hope that they would at once withdraw. As the hon. and gallant Member is doubtless aware, it rests with the proprietor to enforce his rights by recourse to the law, and the Government have no reason to believe that he will not do so.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYWill the precedent of Vatersay be followed in this respect?
§ Mr. WEIRWill the hon. Gentleman call the attention of the Secretary for Scotland to the fact that these cotters have for many months been asking to return to the farm from which they were formerly evicted? Will the Secretary for Scotland take some steps to endeavour to bring about an arrangement between the landlord and these cotters?
§ Mr. DEWARWill the hon. Gentleman be good enough to give notice of the Question, which involves a good deal of discussion?
§ Mr. WATTIs it not necessary for the inhabitants of this island to occupy land in this way before the Secretary of State takes any notice of them?