§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will review his policy with regard to permitting the use of the Irish language on street names in Northern Ireland, where the residents of that area wish the street names to be shown in Irish; and if he will ensure that no steps are taken to prevent the use of the Irish language in this way.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe Public Health and Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 1949 provides that district councils shall not cause street names to be put up or painted otherwise than in English. I have no plans to change the legislation, implementation of which is a matter for district councils.