HL Deb 11 October 2004 vol 665 cc19-20WA
Lord Greaves

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether persons who have been given permission to enter the United Kingdom and reside with their spouses and children are encouraged by the Government to learn English: and, if so, by what means. [HL4153]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Government encourage all new entrants who do not speak English to learn, as this is an essential requirement for full and active citizenship. Generous provision is made to meet the costs of tuition. Those given permission to enter the United Kingdom as spouses are entitled to free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses from one year after their arrival. Other legal migrants qualify for free provision after three years of residence.