§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the status of the Scots Gaelic for the current year and in the period to 1970; and what practical steps he proposes to take in Scotland to improve the status.
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§ Mr. RossThe Government will continue to encourage the teaching of Gaelic and the publication of Gaelic school text books. My Department will shortly be discussing with an Comunn Gaidhealach and others concerned how Gaelic activities might be further developed. Moreover, by its regional development policies and through such agencies as the Highlands and Islands Development Board, the Government will continue to stimulate economic growth in the Highlands and Islands and so provide the conditions in which the Gaelic language and culture can be sustained.