Press Release
Legal Services Commission launches draft Welsh language scheme consultation
2 August 2005
The Legal Services Commission today launched a consultation paper on its proposed Welsh Language Scheme.
Speaking at the launch event at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, Tom Jones OBE, Chair of the Legal Services Committee for Wales said:
‘We have adopted the principle that in the conduct of public business in Wales we will treat the English and Welsh languages on the basis of equality. This scheme sets out how we will give effect to that principle when providing services to the public in Wales. We have been working closely with the Welsh Language Board in developing this Consultation Paper, and I look forward to the publication of our scheme in 2006.’
The consultation period will run until 1 November 2005, and any comments regarding the proposed scheme should be sent to the Wales Office of the Legal Services Commission by this date.
Meri Huws, Chair of the Welsh Language Board, added:
‘I'm pleased to see the Legal Services Commission demonstrating their commitment to the Welsh language with the launch of their proposed language scheme. Their determined efforts in putting Welsh and English on the same footing is very encouraging. It is another step towards enabling people to live their lives through their language of choice.’
The consultation paper can be downloaded from the Legal Services Commission website- http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/civil/regions/cardiff_information.asp
or by contacting Shone Hughes on 029 2064 7203.
Media Information
Shone Hughes: 029 2064 7203
Notes to Editors
The Legal Services Commission helps people obtain publicly funded legal and advice services. Its work is particularly important in ensuring that the vulnerable and socially excluded have access to justice. It replaced the Legal Aid Board in 2000 and is an independent public body, sponsored by the Department for Constitutional Affairs. It funds two schemes- The Community Legal Service for Civil Aid and the Criminal Defence Service for Criminal Legal Aid.
Responses to this consultation should be sent by e-mail, post or fax by the 1st of November 2005 to:
Shone Hughes, Communications Manager, Legal Services Commission,
Marland House, Central Square, Cardiff CF10 4DX
FAX: 029 2064 7171, e-mail: shone.hughes@legalservices.gov.uk
Please note that responses to this consulatation may be made public. If you wish your responses to remain confidential, please mark it accordingly. A summary of the responses to the consultation will be available in early 2006.
Last updated: 28 December 2006