HC Deb 04 March 2003 vol 400 cc951-2W
Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Gaelic speakers there are in Scotland; and what proportion this is of the Scottish population. [100619]

Mrs. Liddell

Census figures for 2001 show 58,652 people aged three and over able to speak Gaelic, which is just over one per cent. of the Scottish population.

Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans her Department has to protect and promote the Gaelic language, with specific regard to broadcasting; and if she will make a statement. [100620]

Mrs. Liddell

The Government recognise that Gaelic is an essential part of the UK's cultural identity and heritage. On 27 March 2001, we ratified the European Charter on Regional and Minority Languages, making clear our commitment to the support and development of the Gaelic language. We set out our plans for Gaelic broadcasting in the Communications Bill, published on 7 May 2002. We believe our proposals will put Gaelic broadcasting on a more stable footing and will result in a better co-ordinated service for the benefit of the Gaelic television audience.

In addition, colleagues in the Scottish Executive have established the Gaelic Development Agency (BOrd Gaidhlig na h-Alba), which will have responsibility for co-ordinating and funding activities of the various Gaelic organisations.

Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money the Government are giving to support the Gaelic language in Scotland in the areas of(a) education and (b) cultural organisations in 2002–03. [100621]

Mrs. Liddell

Expenditure on these matters is for the Scottish Executive. For the current financial year, Scottish Ministers have allocated £3.334 million to Gaelic medium education, £1.6 million through the Gaelic Organisation Fund for cultural organisations and £8.5 million for Gaelic broadcasting.