HC Deb 12 February 1971 vol 811 c298W
Mr. Nicholas Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what further consideration he has given to the question of bilingual traffic signs.

Mr. Peter Thomas

There is already provision for the use of certain kinds of bilingual traffic signs in Wales and Monmouthshire. Under arrangements announced in 1969, local authorities in Wales and Monmouthshire were given full powers to erect bilingual destination and local informatory signs if they so wished. The decision whether or not to put up such signs is entirely the responsibility of the local authorities concerned. Some have done so.

Under these arrangements, no bilingual regulatory, warning or direction signs may be erected. I have considered whether some extension of the use of bilingual signs would be feasible and desirable, having regard to safety and other considerations. Complex issues are involved, and I believe that a full study of the whole matter is necessary before decisions can be taken one way or the other.

I have, therefore, decided to set up an independent committee to examine the matter and to report to me. The committee's terms of reference will be: To consider the issues involved in the provision of bilingual traffic signs throughout Wales and Monmouthshire and to advise whether and on what conditions, within the terms of any international agreements which may apply, a greater measure of bilingualism in such signs should be introduced.

Mr. Roderic Bowen, Q.C., has agreed to serve as Chairman. The names of the other members of the Committee will be announced as soon as possible.