§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will set up an inquiry into the protection and furtherance of Gaelic;
(2) what representations he has received about the need to increase expenditure on the Gaelic language in the last six months;
(3) what are the total sums of Government aid expended on the projection of the Gaelic language in each of the last five years, giving a breakdown in each year of the types of expenditure.
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§ Mr. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from An Comunn Gaidhealach (1) seeking a substantially increased annual subvention to ensure the effective development of Gaelic and (2) requesting the establishment of a committee to report on the position of Gaelic in education in Scotland; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Bainasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many representations he has received in the last year to set up a committee to report on the
1970–71 1971–72 1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 £ £ £ £ £ An Comunn Gaidhealach … 7,000 7,500 12,000 12,000 12,000 Glasgow University (Gaelic Books Grant) … 5,000 5,000 6,700 8,500 8,500 Assistance for particular projects has also been given by the Highlands and Islands Development Board and the Scottish Arts Council.
I have received requests from An Comunn Gaidhealach for a substantial increase in its present grant and also from Sabhal Mor Ostaig for grant towards the cost of the Gaelic College in Skye. There have been discussions between my officials and the bodies concerned and I am now considering their requests in the light of the current economic position. I am also considering a request from An Comunn that I should set up a committee to report on the position of Gaelic in the Gaelic-speaking areas and in Scotland as a whole.
Six hon. Members have written to me or to my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Education about this matter and we hope to reply to them shortly.