Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what his policy is on use of the Welsh language in civil proceedings relating to a matter in Wales which is being heard in England; what arrangements are made for witnesses who wish to give evidence through the medium of the Welsh language in those proceedings; and if he will make a statement.

Section 22 of the Welsh Language Act states that in any legal proceedings in Wales, the Welsh language may be spoken by any party, witness or other person who desires to use it. The act does not establish the right to use Welsh in court hearings outside Wales. However, HMCTS’ Welsh Language Scheme allows judicial discretion to decide on whether evidence can be presented in Welsh for hearings taking place in England. If permission is granted HMCTS “will arrange translation facilities as readily and freely as they do in courts in Wales”.