Welsh Language Rights are not about Chip Shops in North Wales

4.32.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Jun 2007

A question on the Welsh language from Jenny Randerson AM following a statement by the First Minister on the minority government's legislative program was rebuffed with stories of an imaginary chip shop in North Wales. First Minister Rhodri Morgan explained Welsh Liberal Democrat support for the Welsh language in an unrealistic 'chip shop' scenario.

Cardiff Central Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Jenny Randerson said "Liberal Democrat support for the Welsh language runs both wide and deep. The Welsh language is a treasure that we can all be proud of, it enriches Welsh life and makes Wales special.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats believe this is not an issue which should be trivialised by the First Minister suggesting chip shop owners could be penalised for not conversing in Welsh.

"Liberal Democrat policy is not to penalise or exclude those who cannot or do not use the Welsh language, but instead to endorse a right to services in Welsh for those who want it.

"We would introduce a Measure to give the Welsh and English languages official status, to afford language speakers equal rights in the provision of services'.

"Furthermore Liberal Democrat policy is to extend Welsh language use outside of its current sphere. One way would be to establish a Welsh for Adults Unit with sufficient funding, giving priority to tutor education'.

Ends/diwedd

Contact/Cyswllt: Andrew Sherwood 02920 898324