§ 13. Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Social Security what languages other than English his Department has used and still uses on any forms to be filled by British citizens.
§ Mr. PentlandNone, Sir.
§ Mr. EvansShould not the hon. Gentleman's Department make more use at least of the Welsh language, which is native to the island and spoken very widely in the country of Wales? Is he aware that I can give him information that Polish has been used in certain forms in his Department? Is he aware of the case of Miss Sally Davies, a retired school teacher, who has suffered some loss of pension because of her insistence on the use of the Welsh language?
§ Mr. PentlandI am not personally aware of the individual case mentioned by the hon. Gentleman. The demand for forms in languages other than English is extremely small, and, on average, there are only two or three demands a year for forms in the Welsh language. We have made a special effort, and we are always willing to send a Welsh-speaking officer to visit any Welsh-speaking applicant who would have difficulty in completing a form. If the hon. Member would like to submit particulars of the case he has mentioned, I would look into it.