HL Deb 18 March 2004 vol 659 c68WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Filkin on 24 February (WA 43) concerning the British-Irish Council, why Scots was not included in the list of languages which are to be focused upon.[HL1574]

Lord Filkin

The list of languages to be focused upon at the British-Irish Council summit in Cardiff on 28 November 2003 was agreed by the Scottish Executive and the other members of the British-Irish Council.

I understand that the timing of the summit coincided with the consultation period of the Gaelic Language Bill, which is a major milestone for Gaelic in Scotland.

The interests of both Gaelic and Scots will be represented by the Scottish Executive as the BIC agenda for minority and lesser used languages is taken forward.