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Schoolchildren should be taught languages that will help them get ahead in business because “nobody in the world speaks French”, according to a leading Conservative MSP.

Murdo Fraser, convener of Holyrood’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, said he is frustrated that his children are only taught French in primary school when it is “a very minor language”.

“Nobody in the world speaks French,” he said at the committee today.

“Well, apart from the French, obviously, but in terms of international trade French is a very minor language.

“I mean, surely we should be teaching Spanish or Arabic or Mandarin or even German – a far wider international reach than French does.”

Garry Clark, head of policy and research at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, pointed out that the language is also useful in a number of French islands around the world.

He said schoolchildren should also be taught foreign cultural conventions such as where to sit when meeting Chinese contacts and how to present a business card.

“I think Spanish is becoming, if not the norm, certainly more common these days and it is on offer at a far wider range of schools and obviously into primary schools as well now,” he said.

“I think there are two areas there. I think it is useful to develop a knowledge of a language that will be of use in business, and if you’re going to be doing business in France or a number of French islands across the world you will find French useful.

“But, clearly, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin, etc, are going to be far more directly useful.

“So, I think there is certainly a case to say that it would be useful to focus on those languages.

“That said, I do think that there is nonetheless, whatever language it is that is spoken, going alongside learning any foreign language is that developing understanding of cultures that are different from our own.

“I think that is possibly as important as the language skills themselves, particularly in developing business relationships across the world.

“We have met with a number of Chinese delegations and knowing where to sit in the room, knowing what to have on the table and knowing to hand your business card over with both hands is culturally as useful to know as language skills themselves.”

Green MSP Patrick Harvie said: “I am tempted to suggest we invite the French consulate to a future evidence session before we finish the inquiry.”

SNP MSP Chic Brodie said: “There’s a great book called Mind Your Manners, which explains cultural differences which one ought to read when one is exporting to a whole range of countries.”

French-born SNP MSP Christian Allard accused “Monsieur Fraser” of trying to undermine the teaching of French in a statement released in both English and French translations.

He called on the Tory MSP to reflect on his comments ahead of the visit of French Ambassador Sylvie Bermann to Holyrood tomorrow.

Mr Allard said: “We should be supporting people to learn as many languages as possible, so for Murdo Fraser to try and undermine the teaching of French in this way is deeply disappointing.

“The French community has been a great asset to Scotland over the years, there are many people working at the Scottish Parliament who speak French.

“Tomorrow, France’s new Ambassador to the UK, Sylvie Bermann, will be attending First Minister’s questions at the Scottish Parliament. Murdo Fraser might want to reflect on his comments before coming to the chamber.

“French is spoken in Scotland and in many countries, I invite Monsieur Fraser to sign up to French classes at the “Institut Francais”, the little corner of France in the heart of Edinburgh. They offer classes for all ages, from complete beginners to fluent speakers.”