§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Minister of Information whether an increased and more varied and more frequent Gaelic service of news and general interest and entertainment features will be undertaken in the interest of the Highlands and Islands population, and especially of the northern service men in the Army and Navy; and what steps he intends to take?
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Mr. CooperAs the hon. Member is aware, the needs of national security restrict the broadcast service to two programmes in this country. Of these only the Home Service Programme is well received in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. In this programme Gaelic items and Highland music are broadcast regularly; but on a scale necessarily limited by the needs of the whole listening public. Highland music, including Gaelic songs, is also broadcast in the Programme for the Forces. I will ask the B.B.C. to bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind, although the consideration of an increase and of a more varied service must be restricted by the great number of claims on the broadcasting time now available.