Explanatory Notes

Government of Wales Act 2006

2006 CHAPTER 32

25 July 2006

Detailed Commentary on Sections in Part 2

Ministers, staff, etc

Section 59: Implementation of Community law

257.This section enables the Welsh Ministers to be designated under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972, thereby empowering them to make provision within the scope of the particular designation, to implement Community obligations or to enable United Kingdom rights under the European Treaties to be enjoyed and for associated purposes. Unless such provision is made by a Minister of the Crown, or relates to an English border area or to a cross-border body (and does not relate solely to functions or activities of that body in relation to Wales), the statutory instrument in which the provision is contained is not required to be laid before Parliament and to be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House, but it will instead have to be laid before the Assembly and will be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Assembly.

258.The section also confers on the Welsh Ministers the power, with the consent of the Treasury, to make regulations prescribing, or providing for the determination of fees and charges in respect of services provided by them in pursuance of a Community obligation. Unless they are made together with a Minister of the Crown, relate to an English border area or relate to a cross-border body (and do not relate solely to functions or activities of that body in relation to Wales) no Parliamentary procedures are to apply to such regulations but they will have to be laid before the Assembly instead and will be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Assembly.