Part 4Acts of the Assembly

Procedure

114Power 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.