Welsh Language Board welcomes the opportunity to discuss the new Language Measure 

 The Welsh Language Board today welcomed the publication of WAG’s draft Measure on the Welsh language, following the long journey of the Welsh language LCO through the committees of the Assembly and Westminster.

Chair of the Board, Meri Huws, said:

“There’s no denying that the 1993 Welsh Language Act and the establishment of the Welsh Language Board has made an all-important contribution towards increasing the use of the language throughout Wales. The linguistic landscape of the country has changed dramatically during the past eighteen years, with Welsh now seen everywhere around us, from Gwynedd to Gwent.

It is now time to take another step forward and build upon the successes of the 1993 Act and the Welsh Language Board’s work. I sincerely hope that this Measure, especially in terms of the Language Commissioner’s increased powers, will ensure that Welsh speakers will in the future have many more opportunities to use the language in their daily lives.”

Chief Executive of the Board, Meirion Prys Jones, added:

“I’m pleased to see the publication of the proposed Measure regarding New Welsh language legislation, and look forward towards a lively dialogue on these proposals over the coming months. It’s important that the new provision is robust and clear and that it supports the development of the language. Wales is seen on the international stage as one of the most innovative and inventive countries in terms of promoting our language, and it is important that new legislation builds upon this tradition.”

 The Board will respond fully to the contents of the Measure over the coming weeks and months. Board Members will discuss their response in an open meeting in Llangollen tomorrow (5 March 2010).