Welsh Language

HC Deb 15 June 1995 vol 261 c659W

Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of the Welsh population speaks Welsh. [28442]

Mr. Richards

Some 21.5 per cent. spoke Welsh in 1992 according to the 1992 Welsh social survey. Further information is available in "1992 Welsh Social Survey: Report on the Welsh Language", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will lay before Parliament guidelines for the preparation of language schemes under the Welsh Language Act 1993, and if he will make a statement. [28475]

Mr. Richards

My right hon. Friend has approved the draft guidelines prepared by the Welsh Language Board without amendment and they were laid before Parliament on Friday 9 June.