Welsh Language (Hansard, 1 March 1990)

Dr. Thomas
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many tutors are employed in a full-time capacity in Wales to teach the Welsh language to adults; and whether his Department has any plans to increase the number of full-time tutors of Welsh for adults.

§ Mr. Wyn Roberts
This information is not held centrally. We are making available some £305,000 this year to colleges, voluntary bodies and other providers of adult education to help support activity in this area. We are currently considering the level of support for 1990–91.

§ Mr. Geraint Howells
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any further plans to help and sustain the Welsh language and culture; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Wyn Roberts
The proposals for the introduction of Welsh in the national curriculum in Wales will provide the single most important boost to the Welsh language over the years to come. All other policies in support of the language will therefore complement and support what is happening in schools.
In addition, the Government provide financial support for Welsh language and culture by way of grants to a wide range of organisations involved with the use and promotion of the language. Direct grant support in 1989–90 amounted to some £4.4 million. This figure will increase next year by 30 per cent. to a total of £5.9 million. My right hon. Friend will continue to look to the Welsh Language Board for advice in relation to all matters to do with the language and on how these grants can be harnessed to the greatest effect.

§ Mr. Michael
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much money has been dispensed to Welsh local authorities in grants for bilingual education under section 21 of the Education Act 1980 in each year since that Act came into force; how much he anticipates will have been granted by the end of the present financial year; and how much he has allocated for this purpose in the 1990–91 financial year.

§ Mr. Wyn Roberts
I shall write to the hon. Gentleman with the information requested and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.