Written question asked by Margaret Ewing (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 3 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 February 1998. It was answered by Tony Lloyd (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 1998 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what is his policy for responding to letters received in the (a) Scottish Gaelic, (b) Welsh, (c) Urdu, (d) Hindi and (e) Chinese language. - (Holding answer 10 February 1998).

Answer: Mrs. Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy for responding to letters received in the (a) Scottish Gaelic, (b) Welsh, (c) Urdu, (d) Hindi and (e) Chinese language. [28057] Mr. Tony Lloyd: [holding answer 10 February 1998]: We respond to any letters received no matter in what language. We normally reply in English to letters dealt with in the UK and, where appropriate, in a local language to letters dealt with by our Posts overseas.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 28057; 307 c189W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Correspondence Government departments Languages Foreign and Commonwealth Office