Western Isles (Bilingual Project) (Hansard, 13 February 1979)

§ Mr. Reid
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the progress of the bilingual project in the Western Isles; and what support and assistance he has given the project.

§ Mr. McElhone
This project has made good progress during its first three years to September 1978. My Department has taken an active role in the work of the advisory committee which is associated

1974–75 1975–76 1976–77 1977–78

£ £ £ £

An Comunn Gaidhealach … … … 12,000 18,000 21,800 25,362

Sabhal Mór Ostaig … … … Nil 4,000 4,600 5,290

Gaelic Books Grant … … … 8,500 8,500 15,000 9,117^*

Western Isles Project … … … Nil 5,208 12,465 12,824

^*Grants totalling £45,000 are payable over the three-year period 1977–78 to 1979–80

§ Mr. Reid
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will issue a circular to all education authorities in Scotland stating (a) his Department's policy in support of Gaelic (b) methods to be used to implement this policy as suited to each district and its needs and (c) which specific grants are available to help education authorities initiate action to support the language and to meet the cost of additional teachers, in-service training for additional teachers, school books and other teaching material.

§ Mr. McElhone
It is for education authorities themselves to determine the place of Gaelic in the curriculum and the educational provision which should be made for the language in their areas. I see no need to give them any guidance on this subject at present.
In terms of the present regulations governing my right hon. Friend's powers to pay grants to bodies providing education and educational services, no specific grants are payable direct to education authorities, but authorities may benefit from grants paid to other bodies for research and development projects, for example, for the production of teaching materials and other aids to bilingual education.
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with the project, and will continue to suport it financially for further period of three years. The total financial assistance by the Department to this project over the six-year period to 1981 is expected to amount to nearly £80,000.

				1974–75	1975–76	1976–77	1977–78
				£	£	£	£
An Comunn Gaidhealach	…	…	…	12,000	18,000	21,800	25,362
Sabhal Mór Ostaig	…	…	…	Nil	4,000	4,600	5,290
Gaelic Books Grant	…	…	…	8,500	8,500	15,000	9,117^*
Western Isles Project	…	…	…	Nil	5,208	12,465	12,824
^*Grants totalling £45,000 are payable over the three-year period 1977–78 to 1979–80