§ Mr. HumeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to sign the European charter on regional and minority languages; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe implications of the European charter on regional or minority languages are still being considered by Government Departments with an interest in its provisions. The United Kingdom decision on ratification will take into account the situation of each of the indigenous minority languages spoken within the United Kingdom. We have not yet come to a final view on whether to sign the convention which opened for signature in November of last year.