Gaelic language (Hansard, 25 March 1981)

§ Mr. Bill Walker (Perth and East Perthshire)
I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to promote broadcasting in Gaelic, and to require local authorities in Gaelic-speaking areas to promote the use of Gaelic in drama and music. The Gaelic language and culture are an important part of Scotland's history. They are a priceless treasure, which should be nurtured and protected from the ravages of time. The different parts of the United Kingdom—the old kingdoms—have each made a substantial contribution in many and varied ways to the art, music and literature of these islands. We who have inherited these treasures from our ancestors have a responsibility to ensure that our children and our children's children have access to the literary and cultural traditions of these islands.
It is right that from time to time we in this place should divert our attention away from the pressures of modern society and remind ourselves of our great and historic past. That is why I wish to draw attention to the need, as I see it, of promoting and protecting this proud and ancient literary treasure. I wish to do so in a non-partisan manner.
It is more than 1,000 years since Gaelic was the everyday language in the northern part of these islands. Up to the seventh century, the Gaelic language was spoken in many parts of Scotland as well as in Ireland and the Isle of Man. Yet this priceless treasure—an important part of Scotland's heritage—has survived.

§ Mr. A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed)
No thanks to the hon. Gentleman.

§ Mr. Walker
Today the language is still in common use in the Western Isles, and can be described as a real living force in Argyll and Northern Scotland. It is taught in many schools throughout the Western Isles and Argyll and the northern parts of the Highlands. It is available for study in many of Scotland's universities. However, in the more populated areas of Scotland it is kept alive only through the activities of Gaelic societies and other voluntary groups or via television and radio programmes.
It is my belief that the most effective and efficient use of the media—used in a way which will not give offence to those who do not have an interest—is to monitor Gaelic broadcasting. If that is coupled with the encouragement of voluntary groups we shall ensure the survival and the development of the language.
As well as the language, there is a treasure trove of Gaelic songs. Last year the national Mod, which I attended, was held in my constituency—in Perth, the ancient capital of Scotland. Although not in the Highlands, the city of Perth is the gateway to the Highlands, and Perth has Gaelic societies and a Gaelic choir. Not surprisingly, the Mod was well supported.
If the Bill becomes law, it will not impose Gaelic or Gaelic culture—[Interruption.].

§ Mr. Anthony Fell (Yarmouth)
On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Is it not normal to allow a Ten-Minute Bill to be presented without interruption? There has been a constant stream of interruption from the Liberal and Scottish National Benches.

§ Mr. Beith
Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I hope that you will recognise the unusual nature of this situation. The hon. Member for Perth and East 937 Perthshire (Mr. Walker) opposed a Bill which would have done some of the things to which he has referred, but is now seeking to introduce a totally ineffective means of achieving the same object.

§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bernard Weatherill)
That is a point of argument. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to oppose the Bill, that is a matter for him later. At the moment we are merely hearing what the Bill proposes.

§ Mr. Walker
I emphasise the fundamental difference between this Bill and the previous Bill. If my Bill becomes law it will in no way impose Gaelic or Gaelic culture on anyone who does not wish to participate. It cannot and should not give offence—that is vital and important—nor can it be used for narrow political purposes.
There is substantial evidence that, when assisted and encouraged, Gaelic societies and choirs have support in many parts of Scotland. In particular, there is strong support in those parts of Scotland where in earlier times the language was in everyday use. What greater priority can the Mother of Parliaments give than the priority to protect and preserve our native culture?
In a recent debate, the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland said: The Government take the view that the main instrument for developing Gaelic in every sense must be the strength and initiative of Gaelic speakers themselves, acting with external assistance and support where that is necessary and appropriate."—[Official Report, 13 February 1981, Vol. 998, c. 1115.] I believe that my Bill will be seen in Scotland as a real attempt—within the general parameters of what the Government believe to be the best way—to protect and develop the Gaelic language. I hope that the House will acknowledge that and give me leave to bring in the Bill.
I now turn to the provisions of the Bill. The first part requires the Secretary of State for Scotland to set up a broadcasting committee consisting of members of the BBC and the IBA. I believe that it will be possible to establish such a committee in a way which will involve no cost to the public purse.
938 The Bill places a duty on the committee to co-ordinate and develop Gaelic television and radio; to comment and give guidance on the amount and balance of Gaelic broadcasting and scheduling; to monitor the extent to which Gaelic television and radio are watched and received by audiences; to report to the Secretary of State for Scotland; and to offer advice on matters within the committee's remit.
I have no wish to foist Gaelic on people who have no wish to listen to, or watch, the programmes. That is why I believe that such a committee will ensure a better balance in the broadcasting of the language.
The second part of the Bill places a duty on local authorities in Gaelic speaking areas, as defined in the Bill, to promote through voluntary bodies the use of Gaelic in drama, music, prose or poetry groups. Many people in Scotland look to the United Kingdom Parliament, the Parliament of the Union, to introduce sensible and modest measures to promote Scotland's culture and history. The purpose of my Bill is to introduce such measures to help ensure the survival and encourage expansion of the Scottish Gaelic language and culture.
This modest Bill, which is supported by hon. Members on both sides of the House, can make a positive contribution to the promotion and preservation of this important treasure—the Gaelic language and culture of Scotland.