72. Mr. C. WASONasked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Board of Agriculture made any suggestions to the cottars of Tiree that proposals were under consideration under the Defence of the Realm Act for obtaining land for cultivation before they took the law into their own hands; and, if such representations were not made, will he see that the proposals he had under consideration are now fully explained to the cottars, in view of the punishment that they have received already?
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. Morison)The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. My right hon. Friend cannot undertake to negotiate with the cottars who are at present under interdict from entering on the land, and who refused to give an undertaking to the sheriff to refrain from illegal action.
Mr. WASONIf there is an undertaking, will the question be considered of obtaining land under the Defence of the Realm Act?