§ Baroness Ludfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which (a) Ministers and (b) officials took lessons in foreign languages as part of the European Year of Languages in 2001; whether any formal qualifications were obtained as a result; and, if so, by whom. [HL2219]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)We do not hold information centrally on the number of Ministers and officials who have taken lessons in foreign languages. However, from data collected by the Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research we know that 35 cross-party MPs signed up to the Language Challenge as part of the European Year of Languages. The purpose of the Language Challenge was to demonstrate a positive attitude towards language learning and cultural awareness rather than to gain formal qualifications. Each person was free to set his or her own goal, with the emphasis being on participation, rather than assessed results.
Staff within the DfES are encouraged to learn languages, both for their personal development and to support work-related need. A series of themed events were held within the department during the European Year of Languages.