HC Deb 28 July 1989 vol 157 cc976-7W
Mrs Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to ensure that the payments currently made by Scottish Television to S4C will in future be spent on Gaelic programming.

Mr. Lang

[holding answer 27 July 1989]: The Government are currently considering the future of Gaelic broadcasting and will announce its conclusion in due course.

Mrs Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations have been made to him concerning the possibility of concentrating Gaelic programming on one channel; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lang

[holding answer 27 July 1989]: The Secretary of State has received a variety of representations about the future of Gaelic broadcasting. All argue for an increase in programming but many are not specific as to transmission arrangements. Of those who do express a view, rather more favour using a number of channels than argue for concentrating Gaelic programming on one channel. The Government are currently considering issues raised in these representations and will announce their conclusion in due course.