To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding his Department has provided for the promotion and development of Ulster Scots language and culture in each of the last five years. (321208)

None, but under the terms of the BBC’s charter and agreement, the BBC Trust must have regard to the importance of ensuring appropriate provision in minority languages. Funding to enable the BBC to provide minority languages is included in the BBC’s funding settlement, which is set by my Department, although my Department does not specify the amounts that the BBC must spend in this area.