Clause 27 - Duty to provide information, advice and assistance
Childcare Bill
6:30 pm
Beverley Hughes (Minister of State (Children, Young People and Families), Department for Education and Skills; Stretford and 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.