Written question asked by Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru) on Tuesday, 20 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 April 2004. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Thursday, 29 April 2004 on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Dept for Constitutional Affairs

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what provision is available for cases before the Social Security Commissioners to be heard either wholly or partly in Welsh in respect of (a) cases heard in Wales and (b) cases from Wales heard in England.

Answer: Hywel Williams: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what provision is available for cases before the Social Security Commissioners to be heard either wholly or partly in Welsh in respect of (a) cases heard in Wales and (b) cases from Wales heard in England. [167987] Mr. Lammy: A standard direction applies to cases received from Wales. This states that "A notice that it is intended to use Welsh must (a) identify those parts of the case or hearing in which Welsh will be used and (b) be given to the commissioner as soon as possible and in any event at least 21 days before any oral hearing. If notice is given that Welsh will be used the Commissioner will make any further directions that are necessary or expedient". This direction covers all cases received from Wales irrespective of whether they are heard in Wales or England.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 420 c1247W; 167987
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Social security benefits Tribunals Wales Welsh language Social Security Commissioners
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk