HC Deb 26 January 1966 vol 723 c197
21. Mr. Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether in view of the increase in the Welsh Book Grant, he will make proposals for the introduction of comparable grant for the publication of books in the Gaelic language.

Mr. Ross

I have agreed to a meeting with An Comunn Gaidhealach after the publication of the Registrar General's forthcoming Report on Gaelic, and the position of Gaelic literature will be among the matters discussed.

Mr. Johnston

Is the Secretary of State aware that we all hope that his meeting, with An Comunn Gaidhealach will be one in which he will evince sympathy for the cause that it is advocating? Will he listen with full sympathy to what it has to say? Has he not, as Secretary of State, a responsibility for furthering the welfare of the Gaelic language in the whole of Scotland comparable with the sympathy that has already been evinced for the Welsh language in Wales?

Mr. Ross

I can give the hon. Gentleman my assurance on both points.