Roger Williams (Brecon & Radnorshire, Liberal Democrat)

I beg to move amendment No. 303, in page 13, line 4, after ‘section’, insert

‘, in a form which is fully compliant with the Welsh Language Acts 1967 and 1993’.

David Amess (Southend West, Conservative)

With this it will be convenient to discuss amendment No. 305, in page 13, line 23, at end insert—

‘(6A)Information, advice and assistance provided under this section shall be in such a form as to protect vulnerable children and young persons.’.

Roger Williams (Brecon & Radnorshire, Liberal Democrat)

Under amendment No. 303, local authorities would have a duty to comply with the Welsh Language Acts 1967 and 1993, as they should and, indeed, will do. I am sure that the Minister will assure me that the National Assembly in Cardiff and, indeed, the National Assembly Government will insist on local authorities complying with the law. The amendment is, however, another reminder of the fact that information should be provided in a form that is understandable and of best value to families that speak Welsh as their first language in the home.

Amendment No. 305 would ensure that local authorities provide information in a form that protects vulnerable children and young persons. I am reminded of an incident that was related to me by the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mrs. Moon) in which her local authority sent tender forms to transport providers which indicated where disabled children lived. Such information could be taken advantage of by people who want to make contact with vulnerable children. Therefore, a duty must be placed on local authorities not to disperse information that could be misused by people who do not have young people’s best interests at heart.

Beverley Hughes (Minister of State (Children, Young People and Families), Department for Education and Skills; Stretford & Urmston, Labour)

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman knows that section 6 of the Welsh Language Act 1993 requires public bodies—Welsh local authorities are classified as such—to treat the Welsh and English languages equally in connection with the provision of services. That covers his aspirations with amendment No. 303.

In addition, section 28 of the 2004 Act requires local authorities in Wales to have regard to

“the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children”

in the discharge of their duties. That covers the hon. Gentleman’s concerns in relation to amendment No. 305. Legislation is already in place.

I am aware of the issues raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend, and I think that the hon. Gentleman knows that they are being examined. The law to deal with such situations exists, but practice may fall short of what is expected. I therefore ask him not to press the amendments.

Roger Williams (Brecon & Radnorshire, Liberal Democrat)

Given the Minister’s reassurance on those matters, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.