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Welsh Office

Answer

Mr. Barry Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning his responsibilities following the establishment of the Assembly Cabinet. [86340] Mr. Michael: Following the transfer of power at midnight on Wednesday, 30 June, my functions as Secretary of State for Wales will be: Functions relating to his or her membership of the UK Government Responsibility to ensure that the interests of Wales are fully considered in the workings of the UK Government Responsibility to steer primary legislation relating to Wales through Parliament Functions relating to the fact that this House will vote the Main Estimate to the Secretary of State for Wales, who will make a grant to the Assembly after deducting the cost of running his own office Responsibility to consult the Assembly on the Government's legislative programme Responsibility to ensure that the arrangements for co-operation between the Assembly and the UK Government are working effectively. All other functions of the Secretary of State for Wales transfer to the Assembly. It may be helpful for the House to know the way the provisions of the Government of Wales Act are being put into practice. The Assembly has delegated responsibilities to me as First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales. Onward delegation to my Assembly Cabinet has enabled us to create a positive and dynamic relationship between my Assembly Cabinet and other Subject Committees which mirror the portfolios of Assembly Secretaries. I am placing in the Library a copy of the Assembly papers relating to the responsibilities of the Assembly Secretaries and the intended way to deal with cross-cutting issues.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

86340; 334 c255W

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Devolution Departmental responsibilities Ministerial powers National Assembly for Wales Wales Welsh Office