14. Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total number of official forms available in Welsh at present; and how many will be available by the end of 1969.
§ Mr. George Thomas146 forms are available, 87 more will come into use on 1st June. Beyond this, I cannot predict 1202 how many more will be available by the end of 1969.
Mr. Fred EvansWill my right hon. Friend give some consideration to the general economic needs of Wales and examine the cost of production of these forms, the number used and their value to the general public in Wales as a whole?
§ Mr. ThomasWe try to publish in Welsh versions those forms which are used extensively and which have the greatest impact on the daily life of our people.
§ Mr. Gwynfor EvansIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is widespread disappointment in Wales that the Government have not pursued a policy of bilingualism with more determination and that, even in their declared policy of equal validity, they have been dragging their feet?
§ Mr. ThomasThe hon. Gentleman realises that the principle of bilingualism would mean that all our official business in Wales would have to be conducted in both English and Welsh. Since eight out of ten of the Welsh people do not speak Welsh, that would be grossly unfair.