§ 35. Major OWENasked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to issue a Welsh version of the Regulations under the Road Traffic Acts?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAAs Statutes and Statutory Rules generally are not published in Welsh, the question raises an issue more extensive than that for which I am called on to assume responsibility. I did, however, publish the Highway Code in Welsh because of its more vernacular appeal.
§ Major OWENWill the right hon. Gentleman not follow the good example which he has set in translating the Highway Code into Welsh; and is he not aware that only last week a Welshman appeared before the magistrates in Carnarvon charged with an offence under these Regulations, but as he could not understand the language he was, I am glad to say, acquitted; and will he give further consideration to this matter, as there are very large numbers who are not able to understand the Regulations in the English language?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am very glad to hear that the gentleman in question was acquitted, and I will do my best to see that it does not happen again. In the meantime, but seriously, as I have indicated to my hon. and gallant Friend, it is a far wider matter than the publication in Welsh of these particular orders, as the Statutes themselves on which the Orders are based are not published in Welsh.
§ Captain HAROLD BALFOURWill the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of the President of the Board of Education to the state of Welsh education as disclosed by the hon. Member?