Culture Committee (November 2000 - April 2003)

Terms of the Resolution Adopted by Plenary on 4 July 2000

The National Assembly:

1 Notes the commitment made in the 'A Better Wales' document to fostering the benefits of bilingualism. 2 Recognises the contribution that the foundation of S4C and the Welsh Language Board has made to Wales, and welcomes other positive steps that have flowed from the Welsh Language Act 1993. 3 Welcomes the further progress made for the Welsh language in the first year of devolution, which has included:

• the full implementation of national curriculum requirements for Welsh at key stage 4 in non-Welsh speaking schools;
• the signature by the UK Government of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages;
• the increase in resources to the Welsh Language Board from the 1999-2000 budgeting round.

4 Endorses the resolution passed by the Post-16 Education and Training Committee on 16 February. 5 Calls upon the Post-16 Education and Training Committee to allocate time in its forward work programme as soon as possible to conduct a comprehensive policy review into the Welsh language in order to form a strategy for the future; and 6 Welcomes the opportunity which will be afforded by the forthcoming quinquennial review to consider in depth the activity and operation of the Welsh Language Board. 7 Resolves to adopt policies which support the communities of Wales and which will ensure that the Welsh language flourishes in those communities. 8 Confirms its belief that the Welsh language belongs to all the people of Wales, be they Welsh speakers or non-Welsh speakers, and resolves to co-operate with public, private and voluntary organisations to maximise the opportunities for people in all parts of Wales to participate in the bilingual culture and public life of Wales; and 9 Regrets that the Department for Education and Employment is not prepared to take the necessary steps to secure the future of the London Welsh School, and calls on the Department to reconsider its decision not to fund this important and valuable school.