§ Sir Wyn RobertsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects his Department to have its Welsh language scheme approved by the Welsh Language Board and in place. [9703]
§ Mr. HagueThe Welsh Office's Welsh language scheme was approved by the Welsh Language Board on the 29 November 1996 and will be operational from 13 January 1997. The scheme specifies the measures my Department has taken and will be taking to give effect to the principle established by the Welsh Language Act 1993 that, in the conduct of public business and the administration of justice in Wales, the English and Welsh languages should be treated on a basis of equality. Printed copies of the scheme will be placed in the libraries in due course.