§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what steps she is taking to 1125W (a) protect and (b) promote the Welsh language, with particular reference to broadcasting; and if she will make a statement; [100990]
(2) what her Department's plans are to protect and promote (a) the Gaelic language and (b) the Welsh language, with specific regard to broadcasting; and if she will make a statement. [100622]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 4 March 2003]: The Government's plans for Gaelic language broadcasting are contained within the Communications Bill. The Bill establishes a new Gaelic broadcasting body, the Gaelic Media Service (Seirbheis nam Maedhanan Gaidhlig) with broader powers to secure that a wide and diverse range of programmes are broadcast or otherwise transmitted for reception in Scotland. The Gaelic Media Service will build on the strengths of the existing Gaelic Broadcasting Committee (CCG), but will have a broader representative base, including the main broadcaster interests and others responsible for the development of Gaelic language and culture.
For the Welsh language, the Government is maintaining index-linkage of the grant in aid to the Welsh fourth channel, S4C, as well as the requirement for the BBC to provide at least 10 hours a week of free programmes to the Welsh Authority. The Communications Bill will update the regulatory structure for the Authority, including a system of approvals for new public and commercial services.