§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Government's recent discussions regarding the allocation of funding to support British Sign Language initiatives; and whether there was direct representation at these meetings by organisations from(a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland. [126109]
§ Maria EagleThe British Sign Language working group we have established considered priorities for allocating the additional £1; million funding at its first meeting on 2 July. Their work is on-going and we will receive recommendations in due course. In selecting organisations to be represented on the group, we have identified key organisations of and for deaf people with remits across Great Britain. They will ensure that initiatives progressed reflect needs across Great Britain including Scottish and Welsh interests. The situation in Northern Ireland is being considered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
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§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what policies and procedures are being modified and what actions are being taken within his Department following the Government's decision to recognise British Sign Language as an official language. [126240]
§ Maria EagleThe Department is chairing and supporting the BSL working group which was established following the statement on 18 March. We will use that forum, working with organisations of and for deaf people, to identify issues impacting on our capacity to perform as good practice service providers to sign language users and to develop strategies to improve access for deaf people who use BSL. We will then make appropriate modifications to policies and procedures.