HC Deb 28 October 1946 vol 428 cc288-9
71. Mr. Price-White

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now prepared to issue copies of the Highway Code in the Welsh language, for distribution amongst those people in Wales who normally use Welsh as a first language.

75. Mr. G. Roberts

asked the Minister of Transport if he will name the Welsh county councils that have made representations to him in favour of the publication in Wales of the Highway Code in Welsh as well as in English; and whether he proposes to accede to this demand.

Mr. Barnes

The County Councils of Anglesey, Caernarvonshire, Carmarthenshire, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Glamorganshire, Merionethshire and Montgomeryshire have made representations to me about publication of the Highway Code in Welsh. I have given a good deal of thought to this matter and have reached the conclusion that there is not sufficient justification to warrant printing the Highway Code in Welsh as a Government publication. If the local authorities in Wales would like to have a translation prepared for distribution in appropriate areas, I should be willing to regard this as part of the local Road Safety Campaign and make a grant of 50 per cent. towards approved expenditure.

Mr. Price-White

Would not the Minister agree that, quite seriously, Welsh lives are endangered in rural communities by reason of the fact that they do not try to read English, as it is too difficult? [Laughter.] That really is so. Will he not take a lead from the Minister of National Insurance, who, when he is giving money away, explains it in Welsh; or from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who, when he wants our money, puts all his blandishments and invitations to save also in Welsh?

Mr. Barnes

I would remind the hon. Member that, after all, all road signs and directions throughout the country are in English. The offer I have made of 50 per cent. towards the cost appears to me to be a practical way of meeting any local difficulties.

Mr. G. Roberts

Are we to understand from the Minister's first reply that, no matter how strong and united are representations on matters of this kind from Wales, he will give no sympathetic or reasonable attention to these demands?

Mr. Henry Strauss

In the translation to which the right hon. Gentleman proposes to give assistance, can he give an assurance that the Welsh will be as bad as the English?