§ 35. Mr. Ellisasked the Attorney. General if he has received the report of the inquiry conducted by Lord Justice Edmund Davies on the workings of the Welsh Language Act 1967; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has received a personal report from Lord Justice Edmund Davies following his informal inquiry into the working of the Welsh Language Act in the courts in Wales. My noble Friend is studying this report.
§ Mr. EllisIs the Attorney-General aware that that answer will be received with satisfaction by many people in Wales? Does he not agree, however, that it would be sensible to publish the report so that an objective report of the situation can be provided for evidence for the courts in England. where, for example, in recent cases there have been such idiosyncratic happenings as sending batches of defendants collectively for mental reports because of their request to use their native language through an interpreter? That might be obviated
§ The Attorney-GeneralAs the hon. Member appreciates, this is an informal report which the Lord Chancellor asked Lord Justice Edmund Davies to make. My noble Friend received it only in the last month. It is still under study and consideration.