Government of Wales Act 1998

Part II U.K. Assembly functions

Commencement Information

I1 Part II (ss. 21-45) in force at 1.12.1998 by S.I. 1998/2789, art. 2

Introduction U.K.

21 Introductory. U.K.

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

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-26 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election"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 Assembly U.K.

22 Transfer of Ministerial functions. U.K.

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

Textual Amendments

F2 Ss. 1-26 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election"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

F3 Ss. 1-26 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election"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

F4 Ss. 1-26 repealed by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 161, 163, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election"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

F5 Ss. 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

F6 Ss. 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 functions U.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

F7 S. 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.

F8 S. 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)

F9 S. 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 [F10 Welsh 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 [F10 Welsh Ministers] .

(2) Where the [F10 Welsh Ministers] [F12 consider] 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 [F10 Welsh 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 [F10 Welsh 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 [F10 Welsh 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

F10 Words 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.

F11 Words in s. 28(1)(a) omitted (1.8.2024) by virtue of The Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/803), regs. 1(2), 5(2)(a)

F12 Word 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.

F13 Words in s. 28(5)(b) omitted (1.8.2024) by virtue of The Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/803), regs. 1(2), 5(2)(b)

F14 S. 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

F15 S. 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

F16 S. 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

F17 S. 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

F18 S. 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

F19 S. 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

F20 S. 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.

[F21 34A Assistance to groups of Assembly members. U.K.

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

Textual Amendments

F21 S. 34A inserted (30.11.2000) by 2000 c. 41, ss. 158(1), 163(3)(b), Sch. 21 para. 12(4) (with s. 156(6))

F22 S. 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

F23 S. 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

F24 S. 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

F25 S. 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

F26 S. 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

F27 S. 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

F28 S. 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

F29 S. 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.

[F30 41A Co-operation with the Auditor General for Wales U.K.

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

Textual Amendments

F30 S. 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)

F31 S. 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.

Supplementary U.K.

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

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

Textual Amendments

F32 S. 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

F33 S. 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

F34 S. 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

F35 S. 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.