Board welcomes Assembly's step towards giving the language a practical status
The most important aim of the Welsh Assembly's Bilingual Services Bill is that it sets out to give the Welsh language an official status in the practical sense, according to the Chair of the Welsh Language Board.
The Bill makes provision for the use of Welsh in Assembly proceedings, and in the Assembly Commission's functions.
Meri Huws said:
"Providing a fully bilingual Record of Proceedings is a key step towards strengthening the status of the Welsh language in our principal democratic establishment.
"The Bill makes Assembly Members responsible for the language policy within the Assembly and gives them the opportunity to contribute to creating a truly bilingual Wales.
"The Board welcomes the fact that the National Assembly will be consulting widely on the Bill, and we urge the public to take this opportunity to express their opinions."