Government of Wales Act

HC Deb 29 April 2003 vol 404 c320W

Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the implementation of section 41 of the Government of Wales Act 1998, with particular reference to agreements achieved under it. [103366]

Peter Hain

Section 41 is working satisfactorily. It has primarily been used to allow Assembly staff to support Wales Office Ministers on Bill work, includingthe Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill the Local Government Bill the Health (Wales) Bill the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill Children's Commissioner for Wales Act 2001

An agreement is also in place to handle civil litigation by former residents of Clwyd Hall.

In addition there are a number of Service Level Agreements in existence or in preparation under which Assembly staff provide support and professional services to the Wales Office.