TNAG-2156-FCO40-3076-International-Covenant-on-Civil-and-Political-Rights-(ICCPR)-1990 — Page 79

Article 27

372. The position of ethnic and religious minorities has been discussed above. The position of minority languages is as follows.

Non-indigenous minority languages

373. General education in a minority language is not offered as part of the mainstream curriculum in schools. This is because it is considered to be more advantageous to the pupil to be taught in English, the official language. There may however be initial bilingual support where a child's first language is not English. At secondary level, certain mother tongue languages may be taught as a foundation subject, as part of the National Curriculum, and many children from an Asian background receive mother tongue teaching outside school hours in classes organized and paid for by the community.

374. It is not the practice to use minority languages for official business, but the Government and other relevant public bodies ensure that as much as possible of the information they distribute is translated into various minority languages to ensure that members of those minorities are not disadvantaged in any way and are aware of their rights. Interpreters are used where this is considered necessary.

Main indigenous minority languages

Welsh

375. The Secretary of State for Wales has continued the Government's policy of supporting the Welsh language through grant aid. In addition, two bodies have been established to advise the Government on the use and future development of the Welsh language. In 1985, the Welsh Language Education Development Committee was set up to provide a forum for discussion of policy by those responsible for the provision of Welsh medium education; to co-ordinate activities in Welsh language education, thereby ensuring the most effective and economical use of available resources; to disseminate information and to identify areas for further research and development. The Committee's resources are provided through section 21 of the Education Act 1980.

376. In July 1988, the Secretary of State for Wales established the Welsh Language Board and set it the following tasks: to develop voluntary codes of practice for use of the Welsh language in the public and private sectors; to advise on the use of Welsh in public administration; to investigate complaints and discuss such complaints with the parties involved and advise on practical solutions where possible; to review and report on all aspects of grant-supported activity (i.e. for Welsh language grant support); to liaise with statutory and non-statutory bodies on language issues; and to advise the Secretary of State on matters relating to the Welsh language and consider specific issues referred to it by the Secretary of State. The Board is funded under section 26 of the Development of Rural Wales Act 1976. The Welsh Language Board works through a number of special sub-committees concentrating on defined areas and issues related to the promotion and development of the Welsh language, the use of the Welsh language by local authorities and public bodies, and the use of the Welsh language in the private sector. They are also examining closely specific legislative issues which may need amendment in due course.