Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Gaelic Broadcasting

Thursday 20 October 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers have been in regular contact with MG Alba regarding sustainability issues.
  • The Minister is examining whether the Media Bill or BBC funding review is the better mechanism for addressing Gaelic broadcasting issues.
  • The Minister thanked a member for an invitation to visit areas where Gaelic is still spoken but did not commit to the visit.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Iain Stewart Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP is concerned about the sustainability of Gaelic language broadcasting and its cultural and social importance.

Question

What recent discussions she has had with representatives of MG Alba on the future of Gaelic broadcasting. I am concerned about the sustainability of Gaelic language broadcasting, which is vital culturally, socially, and economically. Its future strength requires public sector broadcast status in legislation similar to Welsh language broadcasters.

Answer from Julia Lopez

My officials have been in regular contact with MG Alba since their CEO raised issues of sustainability and provided detailed proposals. I am examining whether the forthcoming Media Bill is the best mechanism or if the issues are better addressed through the future funding review of the BBC and subsequent charter review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about whether the Media Bill will provide an opportunity to address these concerns was not directly answered with a commitment.

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Q2 Iain Stewart Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP highlights the cultural, social, and economic importance of Gaelic broadcasting and suggests that public sector broadcast status akin to Welsh language broadcasters is necessary.

Question

Gaelic broadcasting is vital culturally and economically. Its future strength requires public sector broadcast status in legislation similar to Welsh language broadcasters. I suggest that the Media Bill will be an ideal opportunity to provide this status.

Answer from Julia Lopez

I am examining MG Alba's proposals in detail and trying to decide whether the Media Bill is the best mechanism or if issues are better addressed through the BBC funding review. I assure my hon. Friend that I am engaged in these issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about commitment on addressing concerns via the Media Bill was not directly answered with a firm timeline or mechanism.

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Q3 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP highlights the historical importance of Gaelic in his constituency and invites the Minister to see first-hand what needs to be done.

Question

There was a time when Gaelic was spoken widely in my constituency; that is not the case today. I regard Gaelic as a United Kingdom treasure, not just Scottish. I respectfully suggest to the Minister that she might benefit from visiting parts of my constituency where Gaelic is still spoken, such as the Western Isles.

Answer from Julia Lopez

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind invitation and highlight the importance of Gaelic as a cultural asset, but I have not committed to visiting specific areas to address concerns about MG Alba's future funding and sustainability.

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to visiting the Gàidhealtachd or taking any direct action based on the MP's suggestion.

How: Highlighting Importance Of Gaelic, Not Committing To Visit

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