Clause 27 - Duty to provide information, advice and assistance
Childcare Bill
6:15 pm
Roger Williams (Brecon and 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.