HC Deb 17 November 2003 vol 413 cc676-7W
Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many coroners courts in Wales have the resources for simultaneous language translation. [132347]

Paul Goggins

The information requested is not available centrally. However, I understand that the Court Service is normally able to provide suitable facilities for use by other courts and tribunals in Wales on request.

Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what action he is taking to ensure that, in inquests, the principles laid down in the Welsh Language Act 1993 are upheld; [132348]

(2) what discussions he has had with the Welsh Language Board and the Welsh Assembly on the adequacy of only providing sequential translation as an option for those wanting a Welsh language inquest. [132355]

Paul Goggins

Coroners in Wales are expected to comply with the requirements of the 1993 Act and take responsibility for making any necessary arrangements for translation services.

The Home Office assists by providing Welsh language versions of our public information leaflets for distribution. Neither the Welsh Language Board nor the Welsh Assembly has raised any concerns with us about these arrangements.

Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many Welsh language inquests have used(a) sequential and (b) simultaneous translation in each year since 1997. [132349]

(2) how many applications for a Welsh language inquest have been (a) made and (b) refused in each county in Wales since 1997. [132356]

Paul Goggins

The information requested is not held centrally.

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