§ 37. Mrs. Mannasked the Lord Advocate, in view of the purported discovery of the skeleton of Dugald Johnston, who was boarded out in a foster-home at Dunoon and who disappeared, if he will order a public inquiry into the death and disappearance of Dugald Johnston.
§ The Lord AdvocateWhen this boy disappeared in April, 1955, the most extensive inquiries were carried out but no 195 trace of him could be found. In March, 1956, a skeleton was discovered, and after further elaborate investigation by the Procurator Fiscal it was established beyond reasonable doubt that the remains were those of the boy Johnston. Consideration was then given to the desirability of holding a public inquiry, but it was decided that, in view of the fact that the Procurator Fiscal had already made thorough investigation into the whole circumstances and the cause of death, it was not necessary in the public interest that such an inquiry should be held. Should, however, the hon. Lady have any facts which she would like to put before me, I shall be glad to receive them and to reconsider the position.
§ Mrs. MannIs the Lord Advocate aware that I have a great many facts, but I think they would be better dealt with in an Adjournment debate? Will it therefore be in order to suggest that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise this matter at the earliest opportunity on the Motion for the Adjournment?