§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total expenditure by the Government on the fostering of the Gaelic language in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. RossGaelic is studied in a number of primary and secondary schools and also in adult education classes. Expenditure by education authorities is assisted 215W by central Government through the Rate Support Grant. I give direct financial assistance through annual grants to An Comunn Gaidhealach for Gaelic informal further education and to Glasgow University for the Gaelic Books Council set up in October, 1968. The following grants were paid in the years in question:—
Assistance to an Comunn Gaidhealach Gaelic Books Council £ £ 1965–66 350 — 1966–67 1,000 — 1967–68 1,000 — 1968–69 4,000 2,500 1969–70 7,000 5,000 In addition the Highlands and Islands Development Board (H.I.D.B.) and the Scottish Arts Council (S.A.C.) have made the following grants over the same period:
By S.A.C. By H.I.D.B to an Comunn Gaidhealach To Gaelic Books Council Other Assistance for Gaelic Literature £ £ £ 1965–66 — — — 1966–67 1,085 — 250 1967–68 400 — 250 1968–69 2,400 350 250 1969–70 — 450 300