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Proceeding contribution from Nick Ainger (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 28 February 2006. It occurred during Debate on bill on Government of Wales Bill.


Government of Wales Bill

The well-being power is there to assist the people of Wales. Clause 60(1) sets out the objects to which that power applies. The answer is yes, if it could be shown that an individual outside Wales could perform a duty that was to the benefit and for the well-being of people in Wales, that would not be outwith the clause. The power to promote well-being is closely modelled on similar powers given to local authorities in section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000. Local authorities, too, were given that power to reduce uncertainty over their powers to act where there was no specific power relevant to what they wanted to do even though it would benefit people in their area. A similar provision was included in section 30 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999, for similar reasons. The power would not alter any existing function of Ministers of the Crown, and there are specific constraints on Welsh Ministers, such as the prohibition on doing anything incompatible with Community law, so those functions do not need to be restated. The power would not override the International Development Act 2002.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
443 c149 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Devolved matters Accountability Constituency size Constituencies Business Devolution Finance Elections Legislative competence Functions First ministers Pay Powers Members National Assembly for Wales Referendums Parliamentary scrutiny Politics and government Ministers Trade unions Wales Welsh Government National Assembly for Wales Commission Welsh Consolidated Fund
Legislation
Government of Wales Bill 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk