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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Mr. Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress made in addressing criticisms and recommendations contained in the report by the Council on Europe on UK implementation of its obligations as a signatory to the declaration of lesser- used and minority languages, with particular reference to Scottish Gaelic. [222848] Mr. Rammell: The UK Government welcomed the Council of Europe's report of 24 March 2004 on the implementation of the Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The report praises the UK for its efforts while also highlighting some areas for improvement. The Scottish Executive has taken forward a number of Gaelic education initiatives which address the recommendations of the Council of Europe Committee of Experts with regard to Gaelic. The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Bill is also progressing through the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive is actively engaged in discussions with all interested parties in connection with the future of Gaelic broadcasting. These measures and others will be described in detail in the UK's periodic report to be submitted to the Council of Europe by 1 July 2005.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

432 c594W; 222848

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Languages Scots Gaelic language European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk