HC Deb 18 July 1898 vol 62 cc74-5
MR. HUMPHREYS-OWEN (Montgomery)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that, at a marriage at the Presbyterian Chapel at Montgomery on the 18th of May last the registrar (who does not know Welsh) required the ceremony, or part of it, to be repeated in English after the whole (including the declarations required by s. 20 of 6 and 7 Will. IV., c. 85) had been solemnised in Welsh, although the Welsh language was preferred by the parties to the marriage and by their friends; whether, if the facts are as stated, the action of the registrar was legal, having regard to the provisions of the statute 7 Will. IV. and 1 Vic, c. 22, s. 23; and whether he will issue instructions to registrars explaining their duties in such cases?

THE SECRETARY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. T. W. RUSSELL,) Tyrone, S.

I have no information as to the facts of the particular case referred to, but if the honourable Member will be so good as to inform the Registrar General of the case, and the name of the official referred to, he will make inquiries into the matter.