§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will undertake an investigation into the manner in which the Benefits Agency has published a consultation document on its Welsh language policy, with714W particular reference to the accuracy of its description of current policy; and if he will arrange to meet the chairman of the Welsh Language Board to discuss this matter. [38564]
§ Mr. Roger EvansI am satisfied that the procedure adopted by the Benefits Agency, BA, for publishing a consultation document on its proposed Welsh language policy was carried out in accordance with the guidance provided to the agency on 22 May 1996 by the Welsh Language Board.
The consultation document does not cover the BA's current voluntary Welsh language policy, which has been in operation since 1990, but states its intended policy under the requirements of the 1993 Welsh Language Act.
Since publishing the document on 14 June 1996, the BA has decided to withdraw all its freeline services from 15 July 1996. This decision has impacted on that part of the proposed scheme which refers to general benefit advice and information available from the Welsh language freeline service. The BA's policy statement that all customers who contact the agency by telephone may use the language of their choice—either English or Welsh—is unchanged, as are the arrangements for providing this service.
All other measures outlined in the consultation document accurately state the proposed Welsh language policy to be adopted by the BA.
I will be happy to meet chairman of the Welsh Language Board.