§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the amount of money which he intends to spend on the promotion of the Gaelic language in the next financial year.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 7 March 1988]: The amount of funds to be allocated to promote the Gaelic language in the financial year ending March 1989 are still under consideration.
In the current financial year the Secretary of State has made available £397,000 through the Scottish Education Department and the Highlands and Islands Development 335W Board. In addition, specific grant amounting to £300,000 has been allocated to education authorities in support of Gaelic initiatives.
The Scottish Arts Council has also allocated approximately £120,000 in support of Gaelic arts projects.