Written question asked by Richard Shepherd (Conservative) on Thursday, 5 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 March 1998. It was answered by Ron Davies (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 March 1998 on behalf of the Welsh Office.

Welsh Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, for what reasons elected members of the Welsh Assembly are to be subject to the Official Secrets Act.

Answer: Mr. Shepherd: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales for what reasons elected members of the Welsh Assembly are to be subject to the Official Secrets Act. [33722] Mr. Ron Davies: The Official Secrets Act 1989 makes it an offence for a Crown servant to make a damaging disclosure without authorisation of information relating to security and intelligence, defence, international relations, crime and special investigation powers of information entrusted in confidence to other states. Clause 79 of the Government of Wales Bill seeks to apply the provisions of the 1989 Act, which apply to Ministers of the Crown (including Welsh Office Ministers) to those who will exercise corresponding functions within the National Assembly. Functions of the Assembly could be delegated to the Executive Committee, and also to subject committees. Clause 79 is drafted to enable those who exercise relevant functions to be in receipt of information subject to the Official Secrets Act on the same terms as Ministers are now.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 33722; 308 c156W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Disclosure of information Devolution Official secrets National Assembly for Wales Ministers Wales
Legislation: Government of Wales Bill 1997/98; Official Secrets Act 1989