Clause 46 - General functions of the Council
Water Bill [Lords]
10:15 am
Mr Simon Thomas (Ceredigion, Plaid Cymru)
Clause 46 is important, as it sets up the new consumer council, providing for its remit and way of working. Clause 46 makes it clear that the new council will have offices in England and Wales, which will allow consumers in both countries physically to access its services. I am sure that they will also be able to have virtual access through a website and all the other things we do today, although that clearly does not have to be defined in the Bill.
However, in Wales we have always ensured that such bodies work under the aegis of the Welsh Language Act 1993. Will the Minister confirm that, when the council is working in Wales, it will make its services available and provide its information in both English and Welsh? My recollection is that we have had to amend the 1983 Act to ensure that such a body comes under its aegis. The Minister may have been
advised that we do not need to do that, but it is worth asking to ensure that the 1983 Act applies to the new consumer council.