Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
This Statement provides an update on the work of the Task and Finish Group on the Welsh Language and Economic Development.
Since the last update provided on 16 April 2013, the Group has focussed its attention on evidence gathering activities to help identify the factors that have specific and direct relevance to economic growth, the provision of jobs, the creation of wealth, and the well-being of the Welsh language.
The Group has heard oral evidence from several bodies and organisations including the Federation for Small Businesses and Mentrau Iaith.
A Call for Evidence was held between 16 May and 21 June seeking views on how the use of the Welsh language and bilingualism can support business growth and economic development, and how economic development could support increased use of the Welsh language. Responses were received from industry groups, groups with an interest in the Welsh language, businesses and individuals.
Over the coming weeks the Group will be actively engaging with private sector businesses that successfully operate in the Welsh language, to seek their insights on why they operate in Welsh and what best practice procedures they recommend.
The Group will present their final report in the autumn.