23 October 2015

Committee inquiry into the Draft Wales Bill

The Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee has agreed to carry out an inquiry into the draft Wales Bill, published by the UK Government on 20 October 2015.

We would be grateful to receive your views on the draft Bill by addressing the following points, which constitute our terms of reference for the inquiry:

To consider

- The extent to which the proposed reserved powers model of legislative competence is clear, coherent and workable, and will provide a durable framework within which the Assembly can legislate.

- The tests for determining competence as set out in section 3 and Schedules 1 and 2 to the draft Bill.

- The extent to which the proposed new framework changes the breadth of the Assembly’s competence to make laws. 

- The proposed legislative powers available in specific subject areas as a consequence of Schedules 1 and 2 to the draft Bill.

- The proposals for the Assembly to gain powers over its functioning (for example in relation to its name, number of Assembly Members and electoral powers for the Assembly).

- The additional powers to be given to the Welsh Ministers, especially to make subordinate legislation.

- The proposals included in relation to the permanence of the Assembly and Welsh Government.

- The proposals included in relation to the convention about the UK Parliament legislating on devolved matters.

- The implications of the draft Bill for the constitution of the United Kingdom.

- Any other matter related to the legislative powers needed for effective law-making by the Assembly.

We are aware that the Welsh Affairs Select Committee are also undertaking an inquiry on the Bill. To avoid duplication, you are welcome to submit the same evidence to us as you are planning to submit (or have already submitted) to the Welsh Affairs Select Committee.

The Committee welcomes contributions in English or Welsh.

Responses, either in hard copy or electronically should be sent to the following address and arrive no later than Friday 20 November 2015:

Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee
National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff
CF99 1NA
SeneddCLA@assembly.wales

We are aware that this is a very tight timeframe, and if you envisage any difficulties with this deadline, please contact the Clerking Team to discuss.

Disclosure of Information

The Assembly’s policy on disclosure of information can be accessed on the Assembly website. Please ensure that you have considered these details carefully before submitting information to the Committee. Alternatively a hard copy of this policy can be requested by contacting the Clerks on the numbers below.

If you would like any further information, please contact either Gareth Williams or Naomi Stocks, on 0300 200 6362 or 0300 200 6222.

Yours sincerely

David Melding AM

Chair

Croesewir gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg.

We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English.