European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

HL Deb 27 March 2001 vol 624 c22WA

Lord Morris of Castle Morris

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any progress has been made towards the ratification of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. [HL1422]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

I am pleased to announce that the UK has today ratified the charter. In doing so, we have undertaken a binding commitment to protect and preserve Welsh. Scottish-Gaelic, Irish, Scots and Ulster-Scots as an essential part of our cultural heritage. We are considering the case for Cornish to be included. Our Instrument of Ratification lists the specific provisions in Part III of the Charter which we have undertaken to promote the use in public life of Welsh, Scottish-Gaelic and Irish. Copies of the Charter and the Instrument of Ratification have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.