Chamber
Plenary, 27 Mar 2003
27 Mar 2003 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
First Minister's Question Time
British Sign Language (Interpreters)
I share Winnie Ewing's commitment to British Sign Language. As a child, I learned basic BSL from my father. It is not only important that we have enough interpreters in Scotland, but that we encourage recognition of the language's importance to the deaf community, especially to deaf children. We can do a lot more and I am sure that we will do it. One of the marks of this young Parliament during the past four years has been its willingness to do the right thing for Scotland's children. I am sure that we will do that again on this issue in the years to come.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel):
NPA
It is appropriate that the last question in this session of Parliament should be asked by the person who uttered the first words in the Parliament.
6. Dr Winnie Ewing (Highlands and Islands) (SNP):
SNP
To ask the First Minister whether, in the light of Her Majesty's Government's decision to give official recognition to British Sign Language as a language in...
The First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell):
Lab
As a start, I believe that we should double the number of British Sign Language interpreters in Scotland and I have asked officials to prepare plans for how ...
Dr Ewing:
SNP
That was an encouraging answer.I am proud to be asking the last question in the Parliament. Since my members' business debate on the subject, during which th...
The First Minister:
Lab
I share Winnie Ewing's commitment to British Sign Language. As a child, I learned basic BSL from my father. It is not only important that we have enough inte...