§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures the Government are taking (a) to support the teaching of Gaelic in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, (b) to increase the amount of instruction in subjects in Gaelic in schools where Gaelic is in common use and (c) to encourage more schools in the Highlands and Islands to expand their instruction in Gaelic and to teach the Gaelic language.
§ Mr. YoungerEducation authorities already have a statutory duty to make provision for the teaching of Gaelic in Gaelic-speaking areas, and it is for them to determine the curriculum and level of provision in their own areas. In 1980 I approved the establishment of a committee on Gaelic by the consultative committee on the curriculum. I have also given financial assistance in support of the Western Isles bilingual project in primary schools and will continue to assist An Comunn Gaidhealach and Sabhal Mor Ostaig which, among other activities, organise summer schools for the study of the Gaelic language.