Ministerial Functions (Hansard, 18 February 1998)

§ Mr. Ron Davies

In addition to the functions which I exercise collectively for the whole of the UK as a member of the Cabinet, there are certain specific functions I exercise which extend beyond Wales.

I have functions with respect to the water industry, flood defence, internal drainage and the aquatic environment which extend to parts of England.

For instance, the boundaries of water companies are dictated by the course of natural watersheds and so do not follow the boundary between Wales and England. Under the Water Industry Act 1991, I exercise various functions with respect to Dwr Cymru and Chester Waterworks Company whose areas extend into England, while my right. hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister exercises functions with respect to Severn Trent Water Ltd. whose area includes Montgomeryshire.

I have a range of functions which Acts of Parliament require me and other Ministerial colleagues to exercise jointly. Some of these functions relate to Wales and England; others to Great Britain and others to the United Kingdom. The majority of these joint functions are to be found in legislation on agriculture. The practical effect of the legislation is that I have functions with respect to areas outside Wales, although I cannot exercise them on my own because they have to be exercised jointly.

Under section 487 of the Education Act 1996, regulations make provision for me to pay local education authorities and other persons grants for education in Welsh. Although it is not the case at present, I could exercise my functions so as to pay grants in England for this purpose.

My functions under the Welsh Language Act 1993 potentially affect any public body providing services to people in Wales, regardless of where the body may be located. In that sense, my functions under the 1993 Act extend beyond Wales.