§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will ensure that the instructions accompanying all documents relating to claims and appeals within his Department are available in Welsh.
§ Mr. BurtThe provision of instructions which accompany documents relating to claims and appeals is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Gareth Wardell, dated 16 November 1992:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about instructions accompanying all documents relating to claims and appeals being available in Welsh.
In May 1990 the Department of Social Security published its bilingual policy for Wales. In line with this the Benefits Agency set up a Welsh Language Unit with responsibility for implementing the policy.
One of the elements of the policy is that bilingual forms and leaflets will be produced, given time. Substantial progress has been made. Many of the most widely used leaflets are now available in a bilingual form, and some of the most widely used claim forms are available in Welsh.
193WWe are committed under the Department's bilingual policy to produce further bilingual leaflets and forms. Indeed, we are striving to ensure that all future leaflets and forms will be produced in this way.
I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this reply will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.