Welsh Language Act 1993

Part I The Board

1 Establishment of the Board

There shall be a body corporate to be known as Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg or the Welsh Language Board.

2 Membership of the Board

(1) The Board established under section 1 above (referred to in this Act as “the Board”) shall consist of not more than fifteen members appointed by the Secretary of State.

(2) In exercising his power of appointment under subsection (1) above the Secretary of State shall have regard to the desirability of securing that, within the Board’s membership, there are reflected both the varying extent to which the Welsh language is used by those living in Wales, and the range of interests of the persons to whom the Board will offer advice.

3 Functions of the Board

(1) The Board shall have the function of promoting and facilitating the use of the Welsh language.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, the Board shall in carrying out the function mentioned there—

(a) advise the Secretary of State on matters concerning the Welsh language;

(b) advise persons exercising functions of a public nature on the ways in which effect may be given to the principle that, in the conduct of public business and the administration of justice in Wales, the English and Welsh languages should be treated on a basis of equality;

(c) advise those and other persons providing services to the public on the use of the Welsh language in their dealings with the public in Wales.

(3) Subject to the following provisions, the Board may do anything which is incidental or conducive to the performance of its functions, and may in particular—

(a) make grants and loans and give guarantees;

(b) make charges for the provision of advice or other services;

(c) accept gifts of money or other property.

(4) The Board shall not—

(a) make a grant or loan,

(b) give a guarantee, or

(c) acquire or dispose of any interest in land,

except with the approval of the Secretary of State given with the consent of the Treasury.

4 Supplementary provisions about the Board

(1) The Board shall comply with any general or special directions given to it by the Secretary of State, and shall give him such information about the exercise of its functions as he may require.

(2) Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the Board.