Government of Wales Act 2006

Functions U.K.

56 Introduction U.K.

(1) The persons to whom this section applies have the functions conferred or imposed on them by or by virtue of this Act or any other enactment or prerogative instrument.

(2) This section applies to the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister and the Counsel General.

Commencement Information

I1 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

57 Exercise of functions U.K.

(1) Functions may be conferred or imposed on the Welsh Ministers by that name.

(2) Functions of the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister and the Counsel General are exercisable on behalf of Her Majesty.

(3) Functions of the Welsh Ministers are exercisable by the First Minister or any of the Welsh Ministers appointed under section 48.

(4) Any act or omission of, or in relation to, the First Minister or any of the Welsh Ministers appointed under section 48 is to be treated as an act or omission of, or in relation to, each of them.

(5) But subsection (4) does not apply in relation to the exercise of functions conferred or imposed on the First Minister alone.

(6) Where a function conferred or imposed on the Counsel General is (either generally or in particular circumstances) exercisable concurrently by the Welsh Ministers or the First Minister, subsection (4) applies in relation to the exercise of the function (or to its exercise in those circumstances) as if the Counsel General were included among the Welsh Ministers.

Commencement Information

I2 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

58 Transfer of Ministerial functions U.K.

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council—

(a) provide for the transfer to the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister or the Counsel General of any function so far as exercisable by a Minister of the Crown in relation to Wales [F1 or the Welsh zone],

(b) direct that any function so far as so exercisable is to be exercisable by the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister or the Counsel General concurrently with the Minister of the Crown, or

(c) direct that any function so far as exercisable by a Minister of the Crown in relation to Wales [F2 or the Welsh zone] is to be exercisable by the Minister of the Crown only with the agreement of, or after consultation with, the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister or the Counsel General.

[F3 (1A) An Order in Council under this section may not make provision about a function of a Minister of the Crown exercisable in relation to the area of the Welsh zone beyond the seaward limit of the territorial sea unless the function is connected with fishing, fisheries or fish health.

(1B) Subsection (1A) does not have effect in relation to an Order in Council to the extent that it contains provision made by virtue of paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 (functions exercisable beyond the territorial sea).]

(2) An Order in Council under this section may, in particular, provide for any function exercisable by the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister or the Counsel General by virtue of an Order in Council under subsection (1)(a) or (b) to be exercisable either generally or in such circumstances as may be specified in the Order in Council, concurrently with any other of the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister or the Counsel General.

(3) An Order in Council under this section may make such modifications of—

(a) any enactment (including any enactment comprised in or made under this Act) or prerogative instrument, or

(b) any other instrument or document,

as Her Majesty considers appropriate in connection with the provision made by the Order in Council.

(4) No recommendation is to be made to Her Majesty in Council to make an Order in Council under this section unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the Order in Council—

(a) has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament, and

(b) has been approved by the Welsh Ministers.

(5) For further provision in connection with the transfer etc. of functions by Orders in Council under this section see Schedule 3.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 58(1)(a) inserted (12.11.2009 for certain purposes and 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 43, 324, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 para. 6(3)(a); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 7

F2 Words in s. 58(1)(c) inserted (12.11.2009 for certain purposes and 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 43, 324, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 para. 6(3)(b); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 7

F3 S. 58(1A)(1B) inserted (12.11.2009 for certain purposes and 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 43, 324, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 para. 6(3)(c); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 7

Commencement Information

I3 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

59 Implementation of [F4 EU] law U.K.

(1) The power to designate a Minister of the Crown or government department under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 (c. 68) may be exercised to designate the Welsh Ministers.

(2) Accordingly, the Welsh Ministers may exercise the power conferred by section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 in relation to any matter, or for any purpose, if they have been designated in relation to that matter or for that purpose, but subject to such restrictions or conditions (if any) as may be specified by the Order in Council designating them.

(3) A statutory instrument containing provision made by the Welsh Ministers in the exercise of that power, if made without a draft having been approved by resolution of the Assembly, is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Assembly.

(4) Paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 2 to the European Communities Act 1972 (Parliamentary procedure) does not apply to the statutory instrument unless it contains provision—

(a) made by a Minister of the Crown or government department (whether or not jointly with the Welsh Ministers),

(b) relating to an English border area, or

(c) relating to a cross-border body (and not relating only to the exercise of functions, or the carrying on of activities, by the body in or with respect to [F5 Wales, the Welsh zone or a part of Wales or the Welsh zone]).

(5) The power conferred by section 56 of the Finance Act 1973 (c. 51) (services provided in pursuance of [F4 an EU] obligation etc.) on the Minister in charge of a government department to make (with the consent of the Treasury) regulations prescribing, or providing for the determination of, fees and charges in respect of things done by the department may be exercised by the Welsh Ministers (with the consent of the Treasury) for prescribing, or providing for the determination of, fees and charges in respect of corresponding things done by the Welsh Ministers.

(6) A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Welsh Ministers in the exercise of that power is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Assembly.

(7) Section 56(4) of the Finance Act 1973 does not cause the statutory instrument to be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament unless it contains regulations—

(a) made by a Minister of the Crown or government department (whether or not jointly with the Welsh Ministers),

(b) relating to an English border area, or

(c) relating to a cross-border body (and not relating only to the exercise of functions, or the carrying on of activities, by the body in or with respect to [F6 Wales, the Welsh zone or a part of Wales or the Welsh zone]).

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in Act substituted (22.4.2011) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1043), arts. 2, 3-6

F5 Words in s. 59(4)(c) substituted (12.11.2009 for certain purposes and 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 43, 324, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 para. 6(4)(a); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 7

F6 Words in s. 59(7)(c) substituted (12.11.2009 for certain purposes and 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 43, 324, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 para. 6(4)(b); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 7

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 59(3) modified (12.11.2009) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 143(2)(b), 182(1)(c) (with s. 180)

Commencement Information

I4 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

60 Promotion etc. of well-being U.K.

(1) The Welsh Ministers may do anything which they consider appropriate to achieve any one or more of the following objects—

(a) the promotion or improvement of the economic well-being of Wales,

(b) the promotion or improvement of the social well-being of Wales, and

(c) the promotion or improvement of the environmental well-being of Wales.

(2) The power under subsection (1) may be exercised in relation to or for the benefit of—

(a) the whole or any part of Wales, or

(b) all or any persons resident or present in Wales.

(3) The power under subsection (1) includes power to do anything in relation to or for the benefit of any area outside Wales, or all or any persons resident or present anywhere outside Wales, if the Welsh Ministers consider that it is likely to achieve one or more of the objects in that subsection.

(4) The power under subsection (1) includes power—

(a) to enter into arrangements or agreements with any person,

(b) to co-operate with, or facilitate or co-ordinate the activities of, any person,

(c) to exercise on behalf of any person any functions of that person, and

(d) to provide staff, goods, services or accommodation to any person.

Commencement Information

I5 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

61 Support of culture etc. U.K.

The Welsh Ministers may do anything which they consider appropriate to support—

(a) archaeological remains in Wales,

(b) ancient monuments in Wales,

(c) buildings and places of historical or architectural interest in Wales,

(d) historic wrecks in Wales,

(e) arts and crafts relating to Wales,

(f) museums and galleries in Wales,

(g) libraries in Wales,

(h) archives and historical records relating to Wales,

(i) cultural activities and projects relating to Wales,

(j) sport and recreational activities relating to Wales, and

(k) the Welsh language.

Commencement Information

I6 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

62 Representations about matters affecting Wales U.K.

The Welsh Ministers, the First Minister and the Counsel General may make appropriate representations about any matter affecting Wales.

Commencement Information

I7 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

63 Consultation about cross-border bodies U.K.

(1) A Minister of the Crown must consult the Welsh Ministers—

(a) before exercising any function which relates to the appointment or removal of a relevant cross-border body,

(b) before exercising any function which relates to the appointment or removal of any member or office-holder of a relevant cross-border body, other than one who is not concerned in the functions or activities which the body exercises or carries on in or with respect to Wales, and

(c) before exercising, in relation to a relevant cross-border body, any function the exercise of which might affect Wales in relation to any matter as respects which functions are exercisable by the Welsh Ministers.

(2) A body is a relevant cross-border body if it is a cross-border body which exercises functions of a public nature and which is not a government department.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the exercise of a function if it is not reasonably practicable to comply with it in relation to the exercise of the function (for reasons of urgency or for any other reasons).

(4) If subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the exercise of a function by a Minister of the Crown by reason of subsection (3), the Minister of the Crown must as soon as is reasonably practicable inform the Welsh Ministers of the exercise of the function and of the reasons for its exercise.

(5) A failure to comply with subsection (1) in relation to the exercise of a function does not affect the validity of its exercise.

Commencement Information

I8 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

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

(1) The Welsh Ministers may hold a poll in an area consisting of Wales or any part (or parts) of Wales for the purpose of ascertaining the views of those polled about whether or how any of the functions of the Welsh Ministers (other than that under section 62) should be exercised.

(2) The persons entitled to vote in a poll under this section are those who—

(a) would be entitled to vote as electors at a local government election in an electoral area wholly or partly included in the area in which the poll is held, and

(b) are registered in the register of local government electors at an address within the area in which the poll is held.

(3) The Welsh Ministers may by order make provision—

(a) as to the conduct of polls (or any poll) under this section, or

(b) for the combination of polls (or any poll) under this section with polls at any elections.

(4) An order under subsection (3) may apply or incorporate, with or without modifications or exceptions, any provision of or made under any enactment relating to elections or referendums; and the provision which may be made under paragraph (a) of that subsection includes, in particular, provision for disregarding alterations in a register of electors.

(5) A statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (3) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Assembly.

Commencement Information

I9 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

65 Private bills U.K.

(1) The Welsh Ministers may promote private bills in Parliament and may oppose any private bill in Parliament.

(2) Subsection (1) does not cause the Welsh Ministers to have power to apply for orders under section 1 or 3 of the Transport and Works Act 1992 (c. 42) by virtue of section 20 of that Act (which gives a body with power to promote and oppose private bills power to apply for and object to such orders).

Commencement Information

I10 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

66 Provision of information to Treasury U.K.

Where it appears to the Treasury that any information in the possession, or under the control, of the Welsh Ministers is required for the exercise of any function by the Treasury, the Treasury may require the Welsh Ministers to provide the information to the Treasury in such form as the Treasury may reasonably specify.

Commencement Information

I11 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

67 Legal proceedings U.K.

(1) Where the Counsel General considers it appropriate for the promotion or protection of the public interest, the Counsel General may institute in the Counsel General's name, defend or appear in any legal proceedings to which this section applies.

(2) This section applies to legal proceedings relating to matters with respect to which any functions of the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister or the Counsel General are exercisable.

Commencement Information

I12 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

68 Contracts U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order provide that the Local Government (Contracts) Act 1997 (c. 65) applies in relation to contracts entered into by the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister or the Counsel General but subject to any appropriate modifications.

(2) A statutory instrument containing an order under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Commencement Information

I13 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

69 Charges for documents U.K.

(1) The Welsh Ministers may make a charge for supplying copies of (or of any part of) any document which they publish or make available for public inspection.

(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to any provision contained in, or made under, any enactment which makes provision for—

(a) the making of charges for the inspection of documents,

(b) the making of charges for supplying copies of documents (or parts of documents), or

(c) the supply of copies of documents (or parts of documents) free of charge.

(3) This section applies to the First Minister and the Counsel General as to the Welsh Ministers.

Commencement Information

I14 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

70 Financial assistance U.K.

(1) The Welsh Ministers may give financial assistance (whether by way of grant, loan or guarantee) to any person engaged in any activity which the Welsh Ministers consider will secure, or help to secure, the attainment of any objective which they aim to attain in the exercise of any of their functions.

(2) The Welsh Ministers may attach conditions to the giving of financial assistance by them; and the conditions which may be attached include, in particular, conditions requiring the repayment of the whole or any part of a grant, or the making of any other payments, in any circumstances.

(3) This section applies in relation to the First Minister and the Counsel General as in relation to the Welsh Ministers.

Commencement Information

I15 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))

71 Supplementary U.K.

(1) The persons to whom this section applies may do anything (including the acquisition or disposal of any property or rights) which is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to, the exercise of any of their other functions.

(2) This section applies to the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister and the Counsel General.

Commencement Information

I16 Ss. 1-94, 97-106 in force immediately after "the 2007 election" by s. 161(1) (subject to s. 161(4)(5))