Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 April 2001. It was answered by Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 April 2001 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, What advice and assistance his Department gives to EU applicant countries within whose boundaries there are linguistic minorities, about his programmes to protect and promote Welsh; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advice and assistance his Department gives to EU applicant countries within whose boundaries there are linguistic minorities, about his programmes to protect and promote Welsh; and if he will make a statement. [155519] Mr. Paul Murphy: The UK Government are always ready to consider sympathetically requests for assistance from applicant countries. So far, my Department has not received any requests for advice in respect of the position of minority languages. Should we do so, I would be very happy to share our experience of Welsh language policy.

Secondary information