THE OPINIONS OF BRITISH MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

ON THE LANGUAGE PROBLEMS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

for distribution with their permission

- Roger BARTON, Lab./PSE:

The principe of to is excellent although bringing about such a massive shift will be, in the first instance, a colossal task. Given that more and more international contact is taking place the case for Esperanto stronger all the time. In my view, unless there is a remarkable advance in computer translation and interpretation in the next few years, Esperanto will become a necessity".

- Ken COATES Prof., Lab./PSE

The enlargement of the European Union is creating immense problems for the translation services and the working interpreters. It was already difficult to uork in nine languages. Further widening of membership can only make forgreater problems of communication. That is why I wish you success in your efforts to provide a supra-national language".

- Tony CUNNINGHAM, Lab. /PSE:

"I can confirm that I support the use of Esperanto within the European Union".

- Michael ELLIOTT, Lab./PSE:

"I am a little sceptical about the possibilities of any artifically developed international language into widespread use, but I acknowledge the advantages there would be and I certainly wish you well in your efforts to promote the greater use of Esperanto. Within the European Parliament I have certainly urged that the fullest consideration should be given to the potential of Esperanto or any other appropriate international language, to the ccmplex linguistic requirements of EU and other international institution".

- Hugh KERR, Lab./PSE:

"In principle, I am in favour of Esperanto,I fear it will be very many years before the European Commision would be prepared to consider initiating legislation for its use. Of course,

there is a growing lobby for the use of Englsh as a kind of modern-day Esperanto".

- Edward McMILLAN-SCOTT, Cons./PPE:

"There is no doubt in the usefulness of a hybrid "international" language: the next best thing to esperanto is English."

- Stan NEWENS, Lab./PSE:

"I have long believed that Esperanto could provide an answer to the problem of communication between people speaking a multitude of languages and this is certainly true in the European arena. I was for a long time associated with the Trade Union, Co-operative Esperanto Group (TUCEG) and, in fact, chaired the Group several years ago when I was in the House of Commons. Unfortunately, however, until there is a common agreement to promote the use of Esperanto it is extremely difficult to achieve its acceptance. I very much hope that it will be possible to consider the use of Esperanto".

- Christine ODDY Ms, Lab./PSE

"I feel that all languages are important and, althought Esperanto has a role, all minority languages must be nurtured".

- Robin TEVERSON, LD/ELDR:

"I have been for some time a supporter of Esperanto. It could indeed play a very important role within Europe, but this would require a great deal more official recognition of the language, funding and commitment by individual member states of the European Union than there is at the present moment. Certainly as the MEPs that are quoted state, there is a growing problem around translation within the European Union. However, it must be the case that for as long as possible, we allow members of the Parliament, for instance, to speak and listen the debates in their own first language, if for no other reason than this ensures that no-one is barred from becoming an elected member through restrictions on being able to learn other languages. Once this problem becomes yet more complex, then clearly, policies will have to be changed, and Esperanto could start to play a full role".

- Mark WATTS, Lab./PSE

"I think that there is a real need for the issue of language to be addressed, enlargement of the European Union means that the number of combinations of possible translations is becoming astronomical. The drain on resources that this translation need will bring about could severely restrict the efficiency of the Union. The advantages of a neutral language with little historical baggage is obvious, however the development of a culture where this language is used naturally is I believe the key to it becoming a practical solution to some of the logistical problems of enlargment. While Esperanto is relatively poorly used then the perceived need for it to be taught is limited. Therefore, the language, in the eyes of the general public is seen as peripheral and the numbers remain small. Cultural acceptance I believe is the main obstacle to the use of Esperanto in the role of European Union language".

- Ian WHITE, Lab./PSE

"I confirm my support for an international language in principle and my opposition to any reduction in the number of working languages within the European Parliament. Although I support the broad aims of the Esperanto movement, I am very concerned to ensure the survival of lesser used languages in terms of principles. Since we both have ready use of English as the most widely spoken language in the world, I am particulary conscious of the need to ensure the survival of lesser used languages such as Catalan and Irish. I am mindful of the fact that even at the beginning of this century Welsh was forbidden in schools in certain parts of the Principality. I do not want to see that kind of "language imperialism" happen leading to the extinction of not only a language but a culture. I do not think that the support of Esperanto negates that objective".

- Phillip WHITEHEAD, Lab./PSE:

"What I would say about Esperanto is that some form of common medium of exchange will increasingly be needed within the EU once we move to a system where there are fifteen to twenty languages, all equally cherished, among the Member States. At that point we shall have to look at the claims of a genuine non-discriminatory international medium. It is for this reason that I support the spread of Esperanto".

- Joe WILSON, Lab./PSE

"I am sympathetic to the case for Esperanto but have not found a great deal of support for it in the European Parliament. My colleagues have talked at length on the subject and I will continue to promote it even though I feel English is becoming the main trans-European language".