CENSUS 2021 - WELSH LANGUAGE USE OUTSIDE OF WALES

Early day motion 784, tabled 15 January 2018 by Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 16 members.

That this House understands that the Office for National Statistics has yet to finalise its recommendations for the 2021 Census; notes that, once it has done so, the Government will bring forward a White Paper in 2018 setting out the proposals for the 2021 Census; expresses concern over the UK Statistics Authority's intention to recommend that a Welsh language question is asked in the 2021 census to those living in Wales, but not to those living elsewhere; emphasises the importance of collecting data on the Welsh language all over the UK; further notes that this information is essential to provide the expected level of Welsh language service; notes that 250,000 people access S4C, the Welsh language channel, on a weekly basis outside of Wales; reminds the Government of its commitment to ensuring the Welsh language thrives; and calls on the Government to include a question on the Welsh language outside of Wales in the 2021 Census.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 9, Plaid Cymru 4, Liberal Democrat 2, Independent 1.