Search Legislation

Government of Wales Act 1998

 Help about what version

What Version

 Help about advanced features

Advanced Features

 Help about opening options

Opening OptionsExpand opening options

Changes over time for: Part II

 Help about opening options

Changes to legislation:

Government of Wales Act 1998, Part II is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 17 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

Part IIU.K. Assembly functions

Commencement Information

I1Part II (ss. 21-45) in force at 1.12.1998 by S.I. 1998/2789, art. 2

IntroductionU.K.

21 Introductory.U.K.

F1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Ss. 1-26 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

Transfer of Ministerial functions to AssemblyU.K.

22 Transfer of Ministerial functions.U.K.

F2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2Ss. 1-26 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

23 General transfer of property, rights and liabilities etc.U.K.

F3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F3Ss. 1-26 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

24 General transfer: supplementary.U.K.

F4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F4Ss. 1-26 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

25 Power to make specific transfers etc.U.K.

F5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F5Ss. 1-26 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

26 Transfers of property: supplementary.U.K.

F6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F6Ss. 1-26 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

Other functionsU.K.

27 Reform of Welsh health authorities.U.K.

(1)F7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2)F7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)F7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)F7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)F7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)F8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7)F8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8)F9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9)F9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10)F9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F7S. 27(2)-(5) repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

F8S. 27(6)(7) repealed (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), ss. 6, 8(2), Sch. 4 (subject to s. 8) (with Sch. 2, Sch. 3)

F9S. 27(8)-(10) repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

28 Reform of other Welsh public bodies.U.K.

(1)The [F10Welsh Ministers] may by order make, in relation to any one or more of the statutory functions of a body specified in Part I or II of Schedule 4, provision for the transfer of the function or functions—

(a)to a body specified in Part I F11... of that Schedule,

(b)to a body specified in Part II or IV of that Schedule if that body consents to the transfer to it of the function or functions,

(c)to a county council, county borough council or community council in Wales (or to more than one such council), or

(d)to the [F10Welsh Ministers] .

(2)Where the [F10Welsh Ministers] [F12consider] that, if a statutory function of a body specified in Part I or II of Schedule 4 were transferred to a body within any of paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (1) by an order under that subsection, that body—

(a)would not be able to exercise the function because the function requires or permits something to be done in relation to that body, or

(b)could by exercising another of its functions do what the function would require or permit that body to do,

the [F10Welsh Ministers] may by order make provision for the abolition of the function.

(3)Where each of the statutory functions of a body specified in Part I or II of Schedule 4 is transferred or abolished by an order under subsection (1) or (2), the [F10Welsh Ministers] may by order make provision—

(a)for the abolition of the body if it is a body specified in Part I of that Schedule, or

(b)for the abolition of the duty to recognise the body if it is a body specified in Part II of that Schedule.

(4)An order under subsection (1), (2) or (3)(a) making provision in relation to a body specified in Part I of Schedule 4 may include provision for the transfer of staff of the body and of any property, rights and liabilities to which the body is entitled or subject and may in particular—

(a)provide for the transfer of any property, rights or liabilities to have effect subject to exceptions or reservations specified in or determined under the order,

(b)provide for the creation of interests in, or rights over, property transferred or retained or for the creation of new rights and liabilities between the body and the transferee,

(c)provide for the order to have effect in spite of any provision (of whatever nature) which would prevent or restrict the transfer of the property, rights or liabilities otherwise than by the order, or

(d)make provision about property situated outside the United Kingdom or rights and liabilities arising otherwise than under the law of England and Wales.

(5)Where by an order under subsection (1) or (2)—

(a)any function of a body specified in Part I of Schedule 4 is transferred or abolished, or

(b)any function is transferred to a body specified in Part I F13... of that Schedule,

the [F10Welsh Ministers] may by order make provision altering the membership of the body.

(6)An order under subsection (3)(a) making provision for the abolition of a body may include provision for the abolition of any duty in compliance with which it was established or constituted.

(7)An order under this section may contain any appropriate consequential, incidental, supplementary or transitional provisions or savings (including provisions in the form of amendments or repeals of enactments).

[F14(7A)A statutory instrument containing an order under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Assembly.]

(8)In this section “statutory functions” means functions conferred or imposed by an enactment (including an enactment which is contained in an Act passed after this Act or is made after the passing of this Act).

Textual Amendments

F10Words in s. 28 substituted by the Government of Wales Act 2006, (c. 32), ss. 160, 161 {Sch. 10 para. 42(2)} (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) - see ss. 46, 161(4)(c)(5) of the amending Act.

F12Word in s. 28(2) substituted by the Government of Wales Act 2006, (c. 32), ss. 160, 161 {Sch. 10 para. 42(3)} (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) - see ss. 46, 161(4)(c)(5) of the amending Act.

F14S. 28(7A) inserted by the Government of Wales Act 2006, (c. 32), ss. 160, 161 {Sch. 10 para. 42(4)} (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) - see ss. 46, 161(4)(c)(5) of the amending Act.

29 Implementation of Community law.U.K.

F15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F15S. 29 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

30 Consultation about public appointments.U.K.

F16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16S. 30 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

31 Consultation about government’s legislative programme.U.K.

F17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F17S. 31 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

32 Support of culture etc.U.K.

F18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F18S. 32 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

33 Consideration of matters affecting Wales.U.K.

F19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F19S. 33 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

Ancillary powers etc.U.K.

34 Staff.U.K.

F20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F20S. 34 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

[F2134A Assistance to groups of Assembly members.U.K.

F22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F22S. 34A repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

35 Inquiries.U.K.

F23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23S. 35 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

36 Polls for ascertaining views of the public.U.K.

F24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F24S. 36 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

37 Private bills.U.K.

F25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F25S. 37 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

38 Legal proceedings.U.K.

F26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F26S. 38 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

39 Contracts.U.K.

F27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27S. 39 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

40 Supplementary powers.U.K.

F28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F28S. 40 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

41 Agency arrangements and provision of services.U.K.

F29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F29S. 41 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

[F3041ACo-operation with the Auditor General for WalesU.K.

F31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F30S. 41A inserted (1.4.2005) by Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (c. 23), ss. 66, 73, Sch. 2 para. 43; S.I 2005/558, art. 2, {Sch. 1} (subject to Sch. 2)

F31S. 41A repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

SupplementaryU.K.

42 Different exercise of functions by Assembly.U.K.

F32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F32S. 42 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

43 Construction of references to Ministers and departments.U.K.

F33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F33S. 43 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

44 Parliamentary procedures for subordinate legislation.U.K.

F34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F34S. 44 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

45 Laying of reports and statements.U.K.

F35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F35S. 45 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) (which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007)) and s. 161(6) of the amending Act - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)-(6) of the amending Act.

Back to top

Options/Help

You have chosen to open The Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act as a PDF

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open Schedules only

The Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?