§ Mr. ESSLEMONTasked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that, in the course of evidence in connection with a charge of illegal trawling brought against J. M. Noble, in the Sheriff Court, Wick, on the 7th instant, it was proved that the Member of Parliament for Caithness had made a present of money to witnesses in the month of January when the case was sub judice; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter in view of the statement made by the sheriff that such action was undoubtedly a serious prejudice to the cause of justice?
Mr. McKINNON WOODMy attention has been called to the circumstances referred to by my hon. Friend, and to the statement made by the sheriff. I do not consider, however, that any action on my part is called for.