§ 12. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to ensure that Government information is made available in Wales in both English and Welsh.
Dr. HillThe Welsh Office of the Central Office of Information, acting as Press and publicity service in Wales for my right hon. Friend the Minister for Welsh Affairs, issues in both Welsh and English approximately 20 per cent. of all Departmental Press notices. In addition, a weekly digest of official news is distributed to all Welsh language and bi-lingual Welsh papers, to the B.B.C. and to Independent Television. For example, education pamphlets and circulars, a pension leaflet and the Highway Code are published in both languages.
§ Mr. HughesWhile I appreciate what is being done, will the right hon. Gentleman constantly bear in mind that there are extensive areas in Wales where the Welsh language is still the first language and that there are also some homes in the Duchy of Lancaster where Welsh is the first language? Will he constantly bear this in mind when considering the dissemination of information in the Principality?
Dr. HillI do bear it in mind, but if there are suggestions for further translations into the Welsh language, I shall be very happy to receive them.