Gaelic (Instruction in Primary Schools) (Hansard, 30 November 1943)

HC Deb 30 November 1943 vol 395 c186 186

§ 31. Major McCallum
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils in primary schools in Gaelic-speaking areas of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland are taught Gaelic under the provisions of the 1918 Act?

Mr. Johnston
The latest statistics available show that in session 1938–39 4,259 pupils in primary schools in Gaelic-speaking areas of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland received instruction in Gaelic.

§ Major McCallum
Is it the policy of the Scottish Office to introduce compulsion for the teaching of Gaelic in the schools of these Gaelic-speaking areas?

Mr. Johnston
No, Sir, not as at present advised.