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Written question asked by David Mundell (Conservative) on Monday, 9 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 June 2008. It was answered by Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Joint Ministerial Committee

Question
(2) pursuant to paragraph A1.5 of the Memorandum of Understanding and Supplementary Agreements Between the United Kingdom Government, Scottish Ministers, the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive Committee, whether the Joint Ministerial Committee has the power to resolve disputes between the Government and any or all of the devolved administrations, if unanimity is not reached between the parties involved;
Answer

The Memorandum of Understanding and associated documents establishing the Joint Ministerial Committee make clear that the Committee will be available to try to resolve differences, although they lay emphasis on resolution bilaterally or through the good offices of the appropriate territorial Secretary of State, and make clear that the JMC is not a decision-making body. The Committee has in recent years met only in its functional format dealing with European issues, in which there has been no need to invoke formal dispute resolution processes, and accordingly the arrangements for dispute resolution have not developed beyond those set out in the founding documents. Were a dispute to be referred to the Committee that affected a number of Administrations, it would be essential for all with an interest to be involved in its resolution.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
477 c945-6W; 210374
Session
2007-08
Related items
Subjects
Joint Ministerial Committee
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk