Paragraph 38 to 42: Transfers of Assembly functions: property, rights and liabilities
843.These paragraphs make provision for the transfer of property, rights and liabilities of the old Assembly in connection with those functions which transfer to (or are conferred or imposed on) the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister, the Counsel General or the Assembly Commission.
844.Generally, property, rights and liabilities in connection with a function vest in the person or body in whom the relevant function is vested. This includes any instruments, contracts or legal proceedings (made or commenced before the transfer) in relation to a function or to property, rights and liabilities in connection with a function, except rights and liabilities under a contract of employment of a member of staff of the old Assembly.
845.Paragraph 40 makes provision for Her Majesty, by Order in Council, to provide for the general rule above not to apply in relation to some cases, or to apply only in some cases or to apply with modifications. No recommendation can be made to Her Majesty to make such an order unless a draft of the order has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament and the Assembly.
846.Paragraph 41 makes provision for the Secretary of State, by order, to provide for the transfer of specified property, rights or liabilities of the ‘old Assembly’ (but not property, rights or liabilities under a contract of employment of a member of staff of that Assembly) to the Welsh Ministers etc. or to the Assembly Commission. Either House of Parliament can, by resolution, annul an order made under this paragraph.
847.Paragraph 42 provides that a certificate of the Secretary of State that any property has been transferred by paragraph 39 or 41 is conclusive evidence of the transfer.
848.The paragraph further provides that transfers under paragraphs 39 and 41 have effect in relation to property, rights or liabilities to which they apply despite any provision which would otherwise prevent, penalise or restrict the transfer of the property or liabilities and that a right of pre-emption, right of return or other similar right is not to operate or become exercisable as a result of any such transfer of property or rights. Further, any such right has effect in the case of any such transfer as if the transferee were the same person in law as the transferor and as if no transfer of property had taken place.
849.Additionally, paragraph 42 provides for just compensation to be paid to any person in respect of a right which would have operated in favour of (or be exercisable by) that person but which in consequence of paragraph 40(3) cannot subsequently operate in the person’s favour (or be exercisable by the person). Any compensation payable is to be paid by the transferor, transferee or both.
850.The Secretary of State can, by order, provide for the determination of any disputes as to whether, to whom or by whom such compensation is to be paid, and how much that compensation should be. Any such order can be annulled by a resolution of either House of Parliament.