§ Mr. GULLANDasked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the case of about 70 Scottish workmen who were engaged by the American Exploration Company, and had paid to the company about £100 each as security for faithful service and were sent abroad in three groups; whether he is aware that the first lot received little or nothing in wages, and after privations were stranded in Dutch Guiana, and, with the exception of three who had died, were sent home at the expense of the Government, that the second lot sent abroad in December and the third lot sent in March have likewise been stranded without means in Mexico, and that the said company now professes to be unable to pay the sums due to the men, or any part thereof; and what action, if any, he is taking to bring to justice those who are responsible?
§ Mr. UREMy attention has been called to the circumstances referred to in this question. They are at present being investigated under my directions, and I am not meanwhile in a position to make any statement on the subject.