§ 11. Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will widen the exemption from the study of Welsh as a second language at key stage four.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsI am satisfied that the limited exemptions we proposed are adequate to meet particular local circumstances.
§ Dr. MarekDoes the Minister agree that if a child reaches the age of 13 and he or she does not get on with learning Welsh as a second language, has no aptitude for it or, worse, simply hates the Welsh language, it is counter-productive for the Minister to insist that such a child should continue to learn Welsh as a second language? Does the Minister agree that it is also counter-productive for the well-being and prosperity of the language itself, which we all want to see?
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe hon. Gentleman's remarks about a child's aptitude for learning Welsh are surely true of any subject in the national curriculum. Is he suggesting that a child who does not show an aptitude for mathematics, English, or any other curriculum subject, should be allowed to opt out of it at the age of 13?
§ Mr. ButlerWill my hon. Friend say what measures he has taken to ensure an adequate supply of teachers of Welsh as a second language and as a first language?
§ Sir Wyn RobertsWe have taken substantial steps to ensure that there is an adequate supply of teachers. Clearly, there will be more teachers of Welsh and of subjects taught through the medium of Welsh in the coming years. Welsh is regarded and registered as a shortage subject.
We have provided bursaries to encourage students to go in for teaching Welsh. We have encouraged teachers on initial training courses to take up Welsh, and we are spending a record sum of £1.8 million this year alone on in-service training for teachers. I am delighted to say that many non-Welsh-speaking teachers are showing considerable interest in learning to teach the language.