This morning (11/01/07) members of the Gwynedd-Mon region of Cymdeithas yr Iaith picketed First Minister Rhodri Morgan, who was visiting Caernarfon, in order to underline the need for a comprehensive langauge act.

When members enquired as to the timeline for the planned Language Act (included in the One Wales document), which would affect the private sector, he answered that any legislation would not include the private sector, and that no timeline existed for legislting on the matter. He repeated this on Radio Cymru on the Taro'r Post programme.This statement flies in the face of that which was stated by Rhodri Glyn Thomas, the Culture Minister recently, that the process of legislating would begin this year. Cymdeithas yr Iaith believe that these conflicting messages by the Plaid Cymru and Labour members of the government are a significant cause of concern. Osian Jones, Cymdeithas yr Iaith's Field Officer in North Wales, said:"Following Rhodri Morgan's statement today, we call for a clear and unequivocal statement of the government's intentions in terms of languauge legislation. It is completely fundamental that a new language act is effective and comprehensive."Rhodri Morgan was invited to accompany members on a tour of Caernarfon in order to witness the lack of Welsh signage in shop such as Iceland, Argos, Peacocks and Morrisons, which clearly shows the failings of the present legislation. Osian added:"Cymdeithas yr Iaith have campaigned against the apathy of large multiational companies for decades. It is obvious that the 'goodwill' approach of which Rhodri Morgan is so fond, does not truly exist. As a society we have lobbied an pressed the WAG to ensure legislation which is relevant to twenty first century Wales. We believe that only strong legisltion, including the private sector, will safeguard the future of the language."