§ 17. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the sentence of 12 months' imprisonment passed upon a salmon fishery overseer at Elgin Sheriff Court; and whether, seeing that this man had control of £15,000 in salmon or cash, and that his salary was only £2 a week and £7 a year in fishing money, he proposes, under the circumstances, to recommend a reduction of the sentence?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have made inquiry in this case, to which my attention had not previously been called. I am informed that the man was in control of approximately £500 a year, and not £15,000, and that his income was considerably in excess of the sums stated in the second part of the question. After careful consideration, I am satisfied that I would not be justified in advising any interference with the sentence.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIn his inquiries, has the right hon. Gentleman discovered that these statements in the question were made in the course of the trial by the agent for this accused person, and were not, so far as the Press reports go, disputed by the prosecution?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAll I know is that I have asked for a report from the sheriff, and, until it is received, I see no reason to interfere.