Paragraph 31
824.Sub-paragraph (1) provides for functions of the old Assembly to be excepted from the general transfer made by paragraph 30. The mechanism for achieving this is for Her Majesty to make the necessary provision by Order in Council. The kind of provision which can be made includes transfer any of the above functions specifically to the First Minister or the Counsel General instead of to “the Welsh Ministers”. Functions may also be transferred to the Assembly Commission or to the Assembly itself but these may not involve functions of making, confirming or approving subordinate legislation. Such an Order in Council can also provide for functions transferred to be exercisable concurrently with another of these persons or bodies or subject to agreement of or after consultation with the Assembly Commission.
825.Where a function is one of making, confirming or approving subordinate legislation then, although it cannot be left with the Assembly (since “delegated” legislation is the province of the Welsh Ministers), an Order in Council under paragraph 31(2) and (4) can, instead, amend Schedule 5 to the Act so as to enable the Assembly to legislate on the matter by Measure instead. This will enable the subject-matter of any framework powers conferred or imposed on the Assembly in other Act s passed in the same session as this Act to be “converted” into legislative competence so that the Assembly can legislate by way of Measure about the matter. In exercising the power in paragraph 31 (2) and (4) to “convert” such powers into legislative competence, the scheme of Part 3 of this Act be an important factor to take into consideration when determining under paragraph 29(2) what modifications are to be made to the power in the “conversion” process.
826.The paragraph makes detailed provisions for the consents and approvals which must be obtained before an Order in Council under it can be made. For example, an Order “converting” a function of the Assembly constituted under GoWA to make secondary legislation, into a power of the Assembly to pass Measures on the matter, would require the approval of the Assembly constituted under GoWA, and would also have to be laid before Parliament and be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House.
