Context
The Welsh Language Act 1993 requires public bodies to treat English and Welsh as equal languages in Wales. The previous HMPPS Welsh language scheme failed to publish annual reports.
Question
Diolch yn fawr. The Welsh Language Act 1993 places a duty on public bodies to treat the English and Welsh languages as equal in Wales. The Minister mentioned the HMPPS Welsh language scheme, which is a new scheme that commits to publishing an annual report on its progress. I have already contacted the Ministry of Justice about that and about adherence to the Act. However, considering that the previous iteration of the scheme failed in that respect—publishing only a single report, and that only following a complaint under the 1993 Act—what assurances can the Minister give that the new scheme will have any real effect?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)
I thank the right hon. Member for her vital question. She is absolutely right. I will follow up on the correspondence that she sent to the Ministry of Justice—I have not seen that myself. As I set out before, the policy implemented by the MOJ is one that values the Welsh language and will continue to do so.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific assurances or commitments regarding adherence to the Act or publishing of annual reports.
How: Will Follow Up, Valuing The Welsh Language
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