Welsh Language Act 1993

Preparation and approval of schemes E+W+S+N.I.

12 Preparation of schemes. E+W+S+N.I.

(1) A public body to which the Board has given a notice under section 7 above shall submit a scheme to the Board before the date specified in the notice.

(2) A scheme shall include provisions specifying—

(a) a time-table for giving effect to the measures proposed in the scheme;

(b) the ways in which the public body will ensure that the scheme is publicised.

13 Consultation on preparation of schemes. E+W+S+N.I.

(1) A public body preparing a scheme for submission to the Board shall carry out such consultations as may be appropriate in order to ascertain views representative of both Welsh-speaking and other members of the public who may be affected by the scheme.

(2) A public body shall comply with any directions given to it by the Board in connection with the performance of its duty under subsection (1) above.

14 Approval or imposition of schemes. E+W+S+N.I.

(1) If a scheme appears to the Board to be satisfactory, either as it is submitted to the Board or with modifications agreed between the Board and the public body submitting it, the Board shall approve the scheme.

(2) If—

(a) no scheme is submitted to the Board before the date specified in the notice under section 7 above, or such later date as the Board may allow, or

(b) a scheme has been submitted before that date (or that later date) but has not been approved by the Board,

the Board, or in a case within paragraph (b) above either the Board or the public body submitting the scheme, may refer the matter to the Secretary of State.

(3) On a reference under subsection (2) above, the Secretary of State may, in a case within paragraph (a) of that subsection, request the public body concerned to submit a scheme to the Board before a date specified by the Secretary of State; and if he does so, this Part of this Act shall apply as if that date were substituted for the date specified by virtue of section 7(2)(b) above.

(4) On a reference under subsection (2) above, the Secretary of State may, in a case within paragraph (b) of that subsection, request the Board and the public body concerned to try to reach agreement on the terms of a scheme before a date specified by the Secretary of State; and if he does so he shall not exercise his powers under subsection (5) below before that date.

(5) On a reference under subsection (2) above, the Secretary of State may in any case himself decide upon the terms of a scheme; and if he does so—

(a) he shall send a copy of the scheme to the Board and to the public body concerned, and

(b) this Part of this Act shall then apply as if the scheme had been submitted by the body and approved by the Board.