asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has studied the request sent to him by An Comunn Gaidhealach to make an Order in Council so that financial assistance can be given for the new English-Gaelic dictionary which they hope to produce; and what reply he has sent to that request.

My right hon. Friend's Department is arranging to discuss the various aspects of the matter with An Comunn.

Does the Under-secretary realise that I should be out of order if I attempted to put my supplementary question in that ancient and distinguished language, but that that is no reason for neglecting it or refusing it financial aid? Will she take steps to ensure that proper assistance is given to this indigenous language, just as much assistance as is given to foreign languages in the Scottish education system?

There is no question of neglecting this language. It is, of course, taught in the schools in the areas where Gaelic is primarily spoken. But the Question refers to an Order in Council, and I am advised that the kind of assistance requested does not need an Order in Council.