HL Deb 12 June 2003 vol 649 c70WA
Lord Mackenzie of Culkein

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any plans to give the Gaelic language legal or official status within the United Kingdom. [HL3159]

Lord Evans of Temple Guiting

The United Kingdom Government ratified the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in March 2001. As a signatory to the Charter, the Government have signalled their clear commitment to maintain and promote the use of indigenous minority languages across the United Kingdom, including Gaelic. The Gaelic language has, therefore, official status within the United Kingdom, although the Scottish Executive has devolved responsibility for the development of the language within Scotland.