To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the National Assembly for Wales on a legislative competence order for the Welsh language; what his policy is on the operation of the Welsh Language Act 1993; what representations he has received on the provision of public services in the Welsh language in each of the last three years; and what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the extent of demand for the provision of public services in the Welsh language. (210553)

I have had a number of recent discussions with the First Minister regarding the proposal for an Order on the Welsh language. The Welsh Language Act 1993 provides a practical framework to promote and develop the use of the Welsh language in Wales. It has proved an effective tool in ensuring Welsh speakers are able to receive key public services in Welsh.

The Wales Office has recorded some 20 representations on the provision of public services in the Welsh language in the last three years. In the first year, these broadly covered Welsh language schemes, translation services, utility bills in Welsh and the use of Welsh in the European Union. In the second year, issues raised included the use of Welsh in the domestic energy sector and provision of Welsh language services in prisons. Issues raised over the last year have included the provision of translation services and future statutory provision on the Welsh Language.

I have not commissioned any recent research on the demand for the provision of public services in Welsh.