§ 70. Mr. ERNEST EVANSasked the Minister of Labour whether, in making his recent appointment to the post of divisional controller (Ministry of Labour) for the Welsh division, he took into consideration the desirability of appointing someone possessing a knowledge of the Welsh language; and whether, in view of the importance attaching to this qualification for this particular office, he will make arrangements for the division to be served by a controller who has this qualification?
§ Captain MARGESSON (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. After carefully surveying the requirements of the service in Wales and elsewhere, my right hon. Friend did not find it possible to appoint to the post at Cardiff an officer possessing a knowledge of the Welsh language. The post has been filled by the, transfer of the officer occupying the corresponding post of divisional officer at Bristol.
§ Mr. E. EVANSIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that the holder of this office is brought into daily contact with 551 a large number of people who habitually use the Welsh language, and is it not the case that part of the great success achieved by the retiring official was due to his having a knowledge of the Welsh language?
§ Captain ARTHUR EVANSIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that although the official is in daily touch with Welsh-speaking people, those people speak English as well as Welsh?