Welsh Language Board

Oral Answers to Questions — Wales – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 31 October 1988.

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Photo of Mr Brynmor John Mr Brynmor John , Pontypridd 12:00, 31 October 1988

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to receive the first report from the new Welsh Language Board.

Photo of Mr Wyn Roberts Mr Wyn Roberts , Conwy

The Welsh Language Board will pass on its findings to my right hon. Friend as they emerge.

Photo of Mr Brynmor John Mr Brynmor John , Pontypridd

Given the discussions on the new Welsh Language Act and the wide consensus on what it should contain, will the Secretary of State place a six-month limit on the time in which the Welsh Language Board will report? Would it not be regarded as offensive if it were to continue indefinitely when the matters have already been discussed?

Photo of Mr Wyn Roberts Mr Wyn Roberts , Conwy

I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman. He will know that the board is the outcome of a recommendation made by myself as head of a ministerial group which looked into the problem of legislation in connection with the language as well as other matters. As a result of that, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State set up the board. The board, in turn, has set up specialist sub-committees to look into different areas and issues related to the promotion and development of the language. One of the sub-committees, under the chairmanship of Winston Roddick QC, is looking at the legislative aspect.