Public consultation on National Assembly for Wales (Official Languages) Bill
7/2/2012
A National Assembly for Wales committee is inviting public views on the National Assembly for Wales (Official Languages) Bill.
The Bill has been proposed by Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM in his capacity as Assembly Commissioner with responsibility for the Welsh language.
The Bill, being considered by the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee, makes provision for the use of Welsh and English languages in the National Assembly’s proceedings and the discharge of the functions of the Assembly Commission.
In line with fundamental constitutional principles, neither the Assembly nor the Commission are subject to the arrangements of the Welsh Language Measure 2011, so the Assembly Commission has set out to establish a new legislative framework to govern its bilingual services.
“This is the first Assembly Commission Bill since the election last May,” said Chair of the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee, Ann Jones AM.
“It relates only to the proceedings and internal governance of the Assembly and the Assembly Commission and aims to place the duties of both, in relation to the provision of bilingual services, on a sound legal footing.
“The Committee welcomes views on the content of the Bill and whether it will deliver the objectives of the Commission.”
The Committee is also seeking views on a Draft Official Languages Scheme that the Commission has prepared alongside the Bill.
Anyone wishing to submit evidence can email: CELG.committee@wales.gov.uk or write to: The Clerk to the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, CF99 1NA.
Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee