§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to consult the Welsh Language Board in future on all developments concerning the national curriculum in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe Welsh Language Board is currently being consulted on the draft regulations required to give effect to the proposal to suspend the national curriculum requirements for Welsh as a second language in non-Welsh speaking schools for pupils aged 14 to 16 until 1999. It is also being consulted on the draft order giving effect to the other proposed changes to the national curriculum for pupils of this age group.
The board will be consulted in due course on the proposed changes resulting from the slimming down of the overall subject content of the national curriculum currently being carried out by the Curriculum Council for Wales.
On 1 April this year Awdurdod Cwricwlwm ac Asesu Cymru/the Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales will come into being. ACAC will have regard to the board's views in formulating its advice to the Secretary of State on future developments and changes to the national curriculum in Wales.
It is open to the board to give advice to the Secretary of State on any matter concerning the Welsh language at any time.
Later this month the Welsh Office will be issuing a short guide describing the various statutory agencies' responsibilities for aspects of Welsh language education. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House.