§ Mr. MacDonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a further statement on the performance of the broadcasting companies in fulfilling their commitments to the Gaelic language; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonIt is for the broadcasting authorities—the BBC and the IBA to determine the quantity and quality of programes to be broadcast in the Gaelic language. They are responsible for the scheduling of programmes and for their content.
In its recent report on the future of broadcasting, the Home Affairs Select Committee recommended that the 762W needs of minority interests should continue to be met by the established channels. The Government will take this recommendation, and the views expressed by Comunn na Gaidhlig in its discussion document "Towards a Gaelic Television Service", into account in preparing the forthcoming White Paper on broadcasting.