AMs pass bid for language powers

The assembly government wants more powers over the use of Welsh

The Welsh assembly has approved a bid for powers over the Welsh language, with some dissent.

A number of AMs say it has meant a narrowing of the powers that could be devolved from Westminster.

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said the powers bid would mean the coalition assembly government could pass all of its commitments on the Welsh language.

The powers bid has to be passed by both Houses of Parliament before it is given royal approval.

The process, known as a legislative competence order (LCO), is the first stage in passing a Welsh law (measure) and will seek in this instance to give the assembly government more powers over the Welsh language.

But members of the assembly committee which had examined the first draft of the LCO said it was unacceptable that many of their recommendations had not been taken on board during negotiations between the assembly government and Westminster.

'School gates'

Labour's Alun Davies AM said the LCO was "incomplete, narrow and minimalist".

"It sets a precedent I regret where we will not be able to legislate as we see fit," he said.

Mr Jones dismissed concerns over the scope of the powers.

He said: "The Welsh language is an important part of life in Wales and is of benefit to us all, whether we speak the language or not.

"We need consistent and high quality services in Welsh so that we will see an increase in the use of the language.

"The increase in the number of children who receive their education through Welsh is encouraging but despite the success, it is still a battle to increase the use beyond the school gates. "

'Clearer'

Mr Jones said part of that effort was the commitment in the One Wales coalition agreement signed by Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru to establish the right to use Welsh when accessing services.

"The LCO recognises that public, private and voluntary organisations play an important role in the provision of services to the public in Wales and recognises the need to make things clearer.

"Members of the public in Wales want to receive consistent and high quality [services] through the medium of Welsh."