HL Deb 11 October 1999 vol 605 c21WA
Lord Stoddart of Swindon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will introduce legislation to prevent employers in Wales from discriminating against British subjects who cannot speak Welsh. [HL4027]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The ability to speak Welsh is a skill and qualification which an employer may justifiably require for positions in Wales. The existing legislative framework offers protection to non-Welsh speakers against unfair dismissal on language grounds. The Government see no need to introduce anti-discrimination legislation relating specifically to the Welsh language, and have no plans to do so.