HC Deb 31 March 1914 vol 60 cc1006-7
34. Mr. PIRIE

asked whether the case of the imprisoned Lewis cottars was treated as one of contempt of Court; and whether it was so treated from the first or, if not, what was the reason for the change?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

These cottars have from the first been treated as prisoners committed for contempt of Court.

Mr. PIRIE

Am I to gather from that that there has been no change in these prisoners' dress since they first went into gaol?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Probably my hon. Friend did not hear what I said the other day, that they preferred the dress of untried prisoners. It was their own choice, and was not adopted under compulsion.

Mr. PIRIE

Did they wear it from the first?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I think so.

Mr. PIRIE

Has my right hon. Friend any statement to make as to whether these men will be released?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Yes, Sir. I have received news to-day from which I gather that they will be prepared to give the undertaking to the Court.

Sir GEORGE YOUNGER

In these circumstances, will it be possible for the Court to review the sentences, as the Court at present is not sitting?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I know there is that technical difficulty, but if there is any way in which I can assist the Lord President and the Court to get over that technical difficulty I shall be only too pleased to do so.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider the desirability of reviewing the circumstances of the land problem in the Island of Lewis?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I do not think we can look at it with more sympathetic eyes or take more care in dealing with it than we have been doing. We shall certainly not relax our efforts to settle as many cottars as we can on the land.