§ 6. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Scotland spoke during each of the last 10 years the Gaelic language; how many spoke or speak only Gaelic; and how many spoke or speak both Gaelic and English.
§ Lady TweedsmuirAt the 1951 census there were 95,447 Gaelic speakers of whom 2,178 spoke Gaelic only and 93,269 both Gaelic and English; in 1961 the figures were 76,587, 1,079 and 75,508. There are no figures for other years.
§ Mr. Hector HughesDoes the hon. Lady realise that it is a most regrettable mark of cultural intransigence and intolerance that the Government give so little attention and practical encouragement to this ancient and distinguished language? This is a wrong policy. Will she do her best to alter this policy so that this ancient and distinguished language may receive the attention it deserves?
§ Lady TweedsmuirIt has been the duty of education authorities since 1918 to see that instruction in Gaelic is given in those areas which are primarily Gaelic-speaking.