§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many meetings with outside bodies he has held to consider the recommendations of his Department's commissioned study on the Cornish language in respect of the case for introduction via the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. [44244]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThe Government Office for the South West acting on behalf of the Department commissioned an independent academic study to establish the position on the use and currency of the Cornish language historically and today. The purpose of the study was to provide a sound factual basis for informing the Government's assessment of its position on Cornish in relation to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The study report made no recommendations on this issue and I have, therefore, had no meetings with outside bodies to consider any.
§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when his Department expects to complete its assessment of the case for specifying the Cornish language within the provision of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. [44241]
§ Dr. WhiteheadI refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Ms Keeble) on 20 November 2001,Official Report, column 216W. The report of the Government Office for the South West to Ministers is expected imminently.
§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for how long his Department has been assessing the case for specifying the Cornish language under the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. [44243]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThe Department has been responsible for coordinating advice on the Government's policy on Cornish in relation to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages since 31 March 1999 through the Government Office for the South West (GOSW).