Mr Williams refused to back down when asked to retract his comments

Rhodri Williams, chief executive of the Welsh Language Board launched his attack before the proposed launch of the University of Wales Aberystwyth's scheme.

But after hearing Mr Williams' criticism of the institution for taking nearly five years to set up the scheme, university chiefs cancelled the launch which was due to take place on Tuesday.

Mr Williams was called in to meet the university's vice-chancellor, Derec Llwyd Morgan, his successor Professor Noel Lloyd, and Lord Elystan Morgan, the university's president.

They asked me to take back my comments I made in the press release or there would not be a launch Rhodri Williams, Welsh Language Board

"They asked me to take back my comments I made in the press release or there would not be a launch," said Mr Williams.

"I refused to do this so the launch was cancelled."

Mr Williams said he was concerned at the university's 'unwillingness' to accept responsibility for the language.

The Welsh Language Board began its initial consultation with Aberystwyth University nearly five years ago on May 6 1999.

"I am deeply troubled that this process has taken so long to implement," Mr Williams added.

"If every body operating in Wales had pondered as much over their obligations under the Welsh Language Act then the reality is that the Act would have been almost worthless.

"As a former Aberystwyth student who was active in language and student politics I can understand why Aberystwyth students are protesting these days.

Students have waged a long campaign for better Welsh language provision

"The lack of leadership shown by the university over this issue means that the Welsh language provision there has hardly developed over the past 25 years.

A spokesman for the university said: "For Rhodri Williams to try and use the occasion in a public statement to wrongly criticise the University for being 'unwilling' to accept responsibility for the language and for prevaricating is grossly insulting.

"The university considers his statement to be egotistic and utterly unprofessional.

"Because he would not withdraw his words, Rhodri Williams was asked by the president of the university, Lord Elystan Morgan not to attend the launching ceremony."

Copies of the language scheme are on the university's website.