Government of Wales Act 2006

114 Power to intervene in certain cases

(1) This section applies if a Bill contains provisions which the Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to believe—

(a) would have an adverse effect on any matter which is not listed under any of the headings in Part 1 of Schedule 7 (or falls within any of the exceptions specified in that Part of that Schedule),

(b) might have a serious adverse impact on water resources in England, water supply in England or the quality of water in England,

(c) would have an adverse effect on the operation of the law as it applies in England, or

(d) would be incompatible with any international obligation or the interests of defence or national security.

(2) The Secretary of State may make an order prohibiting the Clerk from submitting the Bill for Royal Assent.

(3) The order must identify the Bill and the provisions in question and state the reasons for making the order.

(4) The order may be made at any time during—

(a) the period of four weeks beginning with the passing of the Bill,

(b) any period of four weeks beginning with any subsequent approval of the Bill in accordance with provision included in the standing orders in compliance with section 111(7), or

(c) if a reference is made in relation to the Bill under section 112, the period of four weeks beginning with the reference being decided or otherwise disposed of by the Supreme Court.

(5) The Secretary of State must not make an order in relation to a Bill if the Secretary of State has notified the Clerk that no order is to be made in relation to the Bill.

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply if the Bill has been approved as mentioned in subsection (4)(b) since the notification.

(7) An order in force under this section at a time when such approval is given ceases to have effect.

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