Written question asked by Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 23 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 December 2004. It was answered by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 December 2004 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will list the memoranda of understanding under which responsibilities for specific services have been transferred to the National Assembly for Wales; and if he will put a copy of each memorandum in the Library.

Answer: Mr. Roger Williams:To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the memoranda of understanding under which responsibilities for specific services have been transferred to the National Assembly for Wales; and if he will put a copy of each memorandum in the Library. [199884] Mr. Touhig: Responsibility for specific services can only be transferred to the Assembly by primary legislation or by Order under the Government of Wales Act 1998 (the Act). Section 41 of the Act provides that arrangements may be made between the Assembly and any relevant authority for any functions of one of them to be exercised by, or by the staff of, the other. "Relevant authority" is defined as "any Government Department, any local or public authority or the holder of any public office." Such agreements do not transfer responsibility; they deal with administrative arrangements as to how it will be exercised. No central record is kept of such agreements, but I am aware that a number are in force in both directions. The Act does not specify any particular form for these agreements.

Secondary information