HC Deb 03 April 1969 vol 781 cc633-4
22. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Postmaster-General what consideration he has given to the use of the Welsh language on postal vans.

Mr. Stonehouse

Her Majesty the Queen has graciously agreed that the words "Royal Mail" should also appear in Welsh on postal vans garaged in Wales. The first vans with the dual inscription will appear in the Caernarvonshire area in time for the Investiture of the Prince of Wales.

Mr. Griffiths

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that the Post Office will increase its prestige by using the Welsh language, the oldest living language in Europe, on its postal vans? May I say how much we appreciate the way in which the Government are fulfilling the promise which they made about furthering the use of the Welsh language in Wales?

Mr. Stonehouse

I thank my right hon Friend very much.

25. Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Postmaster-General what plans he has to make greater use of the Welsh language on Post Office buildings, vehicles, public notices and publications in Wales.

Mr. Stonehouse

In reply to an earlier Question I have announced that we shall in future be using the Welsh language, in addition to English, on postal vans. We already make use of Welsh on buildings and in certain publications.

Mr. Evans

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although that Answer is welcome as far as it goes, it has been part of the Government's purpose in Wales to destroy the Welsh language and that one method employed has been to refuse to display it publicly on its property in Wales? Would the right hon. Gentleman change this policy in his Department?

Mr. Stonehouse

I do not accept what has been said. The Post Office has always provided forms and signs in Welsh, and we shall continue to do so.

Mr. Shinwell

If my right hon. Friend suffers from a mental aberration at some time and decides to implement the suggestion of the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Gwynfor Evans), will he ensure that the North of Scotland, where people speak Gaelic and some understand only Gaelic, is similarly treated?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am prepared to consider any such proposal, but whether we should do that remains to be seen.