Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what translation arrangements his Department has put in place to enable efficient and accurate handling of Welsh language correspondence from (a) MPs and (b) the general public.

My Department recognises the importance of the Welsh language in its day to day work. Our Welsh Language Scheme makes clear our commitment to treat the Welsh and English languages on the basis of equality, to enable people to interact with the department in their language of choice. We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English, and ensure replies on a consistent basis and to the same timescales irrespective of language. As a small department, my Office uses corporate services provided by the Ministry of Justice. This includes our use of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service’s Welsh language translation service when required.