LETTER writer D Sheppard is ‘bemused’ by a previous letter writer complaining that valuable educational subjects are being ‘marginalised’ by the compulsory teaching of Welsh.

He quotes ‘French, German, history and geography as being of diminishing value and as more employers will want Welsh speakers the Welsh language will have more value to her grandchildren.’

The only employers requiring Welsh speakers are here in Wales by local councils having to interpret the latest legislation imposed by the Welsh Assembly.

After a campaign by the Assembly costing £20 million over 10 years to promote the Welsh language, Newport City (population approximately 150,000+) has increased its Welsh speakers from 2100 to approximately 2200, an increase of 100.(Source: Nat.Stats Office).

In 40 years plus working in the NHS, local and central government, and education in South East Wales neither myself nor my staff have had a request for any official form in Welsh. In that time we have scrapped thousands of pounds worth of unread outdated Welsh printed forms. 

Perhaps Mr Sheppard could explain to all our grandchildren why the Welsh Government, after wasting over £20 million of tax payers money attempting to force the Welsh language onto its citizens, is still conducting its Assembly business in English?
 
Joan Briggs
Ambryn Road
New Inn