HC Deb 09 December 1975 vol 902 cc182-3W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what will be the responsibility of the Welsh National Assembly, proposed in the White Paper, Cmnd 6348, for sporting and recreational facilities in Wales which do not currently come under the Welsh Sports Council, but under its United Kingdom counterpart.

Mr. John Morris

The proposals do not envisage that the Assembly will have responsibility for such facilities, but the Assembly will of course be able to express its views to the Sports Council for Great Britain.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what contingent sums have been allowed in the estimated capital cost of preparing the Temple of Peace in Cardiff for the Welsh National Assembly, detailed in the White Paper, Cmnd. 6348, for the provision of simultaneous translation equipment for the main debating chamber.

Mr. John Morris

It is too soon to make detailed costings of this sort.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what changes he proposes making to the Welsh Language Act 1967, to preclude the application of the principle of equal validity to the first meeting of the Welsh National Assembly as indicated in paragraph 187 of White Paper (Command Paper No. 6348).

Mr. John Morris

I have no plans to amend the Welsh Language Act 1967 in this way.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what part of the estimated running cost of the Welsh Assembly, detailed in Command Paper No. 6348, is allowed to cover provision for oral or written bilingualism in its activities.

Mr. John Morris

As the White Paper makes clear, the costings given in Cmnd. 6348 are broad estimates. It is not feasible to make detailed breakdowns at this stage.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if, in addition to the provisions included in the White Paper, Command Paper No. 6348, he will initiate arrangements for the transactions of the first sitting of the Welsh Assembly to be published bilingually;

(2) if, in addition to the provisions in the White Paper, Command Paper No. 6348, he will initiate arrangements for Members of the Welsh Assembly to take the oath or affirmation in the Welsh language.

Mr. John Morris

No. It is too early to decide detailed arangements of this sort.