HL Deb 24 May 1989 vol 508 c493WA
Lord Bethell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to encourage the study of European Community languages, bearing in mind the challenges that British business will face after 1992.

Lord Strathclyde

We are fully aware of the need for British business to improve its language capability, and this is highlighted in the Department of Trade and Industry's Single Market publicity. Financial support is being provided for the production of video based courses in German and French business communication. A leaflet advising on German translation and interpretation has been produced. I am considering a number of other initiatives including further leaflets on French and Spanish, as well as a leaflet advising on more general aspects of language matters.