Davies to oppose new Welsh Language Scheme

Monmouth MP David Davies has spoken out against plans to create a new Welsh Language Act in Wales which will impose an obligation on some large private companies to employ Welsh speakers and translators.

Mr Davies said today: "We are facing the biggest recession for decades and the last thing we should do is to impose a raft of expensive obligations onto companies in Wales or thinking of coming to Wales. If we do then we could see them relocating across the border or not bothering to come here at all.

If companies wish to offer services in Welsh they should be free to do so but it should be a decision they make for themselves.

The reality is that not enough people speak Welsh fluently for a language scheme to make commercial sense in the private sector. Companies like British Telecom which offer a Welsh Language scheme say that the numbers of people using it are actually falling!

There is a statistic that 20% of the population speak the language but frankly it is bogus. The reality is that 20% can say "good morning" and count to 10 but outside Carmarthenshire, Anglesey and Gwynedd Welsh speakers are few and far between.

Instead of adopting expensive and tokenistic schemes which compel companies to offer Welsh we should be doing more to ensure that people who choose to are given the opportunity to learn the language.

This measure would be detrimental to Monmouthshire residents for three reasons.

Firstly it would discourage inward investment at a time when many, such as those working for Corus have lost their jobs.

Secondly the additional costs to utility companies will simply get passed on to customers who will end up paying higher bills.

Thirdly it will discriminate against non-Welsh speakers who will find it harder to get jobs with the companies affected.

The overall effect will be to turn people away from the Welsh language instead of creating the positive attitude towards it which it needs to flourish.

I also shall not hesitate to point out that unlike many of those demanding this measure I actually speak Welsh with enough fluency to appear on the radio and television on a regular basis. Those who wish to force the language onto private companies would do well to set an example by learning it themselves first.