HC Deb 30 June 1980 vol 987 cc1085-6

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the matter of the Welsh language, being a matter relating exclusively to Wales, be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee for their consideration.—[Mr. St. John-Stevas.]

Mr. Heffer

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I should like to ask for your guidance before we pass the motion. The motion says that the matter of the Welsh language is one "relating exclusively to Wales." I do not know what to do about the motion, Mr. Speaker. I do not wish to object, and I do not wish this matter not to go to the Welsh Grand Committee. However, I do not believe that the Welsh language is exclusive to Wales. I went to Liverpool university in the evenings to study Welsh language and Welsh history. Therefore, the Welsh language is not a matter exclusively for Wales.

I am not certain what I should do. I do not want to object to the motion, because I believe that the matter should go to the Welsh Grand Committee. Perhaps you, Mr. Speaker, as a Welshman, can help me.

Mr. Speaker

I am much obliged to the hon. Member. I confess that I had not realised that he had been to Liverpool university in the evenings to study Welsh. However, the wording of the motion follows exactly the wording of Standing Order No. 7 (52).

It is, therefore, in order to put this matter before the Welsh Grand Committee, rather than to say that it is not of interest to other hon. Members, that it is worded in that way. I will put the motion to the House.

Question put and agreed to.