Written question asked by Tony Lloyd (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 April 2001. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Monday, 2 April 2001 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what plans he has to grant official recognition to British Sign Language.

Answer: Mr. Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to grant official recognition to British Sign Language. [156649] Ms Hodge: I have received many representations on this issue and have met disability organisations to discuss the best way forward. The UK ratified the Council of Europe's Charter for Regional or Minority Languages on 27 March and will be appointing the UK representative to the Charter's Committee of Experts. The Committee of Experts will be able to consider whether indigenous sign languages should come within the terms of the Charter.

Secondary information