HC Deb 20 March 1990 vol 169 cc518-9W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many primary school Welsh language units are currently recognised in each county in Wales; and what is his Department's policy relating to(a) Welsh medium units and (b)> Welsh medium schools as a means of providing Welsh language education.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

There is no standard definition of a Welsh language unit. The number of schools having classes where Welsh is the sole or main medium of instruction of first and second language pupils in each county is set out in the table:

Numbers
Clwyd 32
Dyfed 117
Gwent 6
Gwynedd 138
Mid Glamorgan 29
Powys 20
South Glamorgan 9
West Glamorgan 17

Welsh Office policy on Welsh medium education was set out in the publication "Welsh in Schools" (July 1981) which encouraged local education authorities to make available bilingual education for pupils whose parents desired it for them. The means of making this provision would be a matter for individual local education authorities to determine.

Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will undertake a review of the funding of Welsh medium schools and units in Wales.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

Funding of schools is a matter for the LEAs. The publication of school budget and outturn statements under LMS will help in identifying any extra costs associated with bilingual education.