Thank you to the Llywydd for introducing this item, and for the important work that she does in promoting the use of the language in this Chamber and across the Senedd estate. And thank you to the Member for Anglesey for opening the debate. It's important that we lead by example here in the Senedd, not only in delivering the ambitious targets of 'Cymraeg 2050', which we will receive an update on next week, but also to play our part in safeguarding the Welsh language for generations to come.

This sixth Senedd has witnessed two important days in the modern history of the Welsh language. Last October, there was the royal opening, the final visit of Queen Elizabeth. As the report notes, bilingualism was an integral part of that event, with contributions and performances making use of both official languages as part of those celebrations. The second also happened to be a royal visit, when the new King visited the Senedd earlier this month to receive our motion of condolence. We heard our King speak to this Chamber in Welsh—a truly bilingual address. This was a historic event, which shows how far the Welsh language has come. It will also give inspiration to many of our constituents.

I'm pleased to be part of a Senedd that is a strong example of a bilingual workplace that is open and supportive, and nurtures development and the use of the Welsh language at the same level as English. The figures are available to demonstrate how the use of the Welsh language has increased in official business conducted by Members of the Senedd. Fourteen per cent of oral questions were asked in Welsh or bilingually in 2021-22, up from 11 per cent in the year before COVID, which is 2018-19. During the same period, 30 per cent of contributions on the floor of the Senedd were made bilingually or in Welsh, as compared to 18 per cent in 2018-19. These are excellent developments, but there is far more still to be done.

It's worth noting that, over the same period of time, the number of written questions submitted through the medium of Welsh had fallen from 10 per cent to 4 per cent, which is a sign perhaps that people are more comfortable in using spoken Welsh rather than written Welsh—something that I personally feel. I note from the report that there are many plans in place to develop the official languages scheme further during this parliamentary term. I would encourage some focus on the written aspect as well as the spoken word, and I would be interested to hear whether there are any targets in place to measure the success of the scheme in ensuing years in this regard.

Dirprwy Lywydd, the success of this scheme is important. As the Conservative Party, the scheme has our support, and I will do everything I can to see it being successful and seeing further development of the Welsh language across the Senedd's activity and in all aspects of our work. Thank you.