§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date his Department received notification from the Welsh Language Board in relation to the need to prepare a Welsh language scheme; on what date his Department and the Board held consultations on such a scheme; when a scheme was formally submitted to the Board; and if it has been approved. [53349]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Welsh Language Board wrote on 1 May 1998 inviting my Department to prepare a Welsh language scheme. My officials have held discussions with the Board on a number of occasions, and once a draft of the scheme is finalised, we will hold a period of public consultation. The scheme will be submitted to the Welsh Language Board by 31 March 1999 for approval.