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Scotland Act 1998

Part II: Preliminary paragraphs

Paragraphs 1 to 3 explain how the entries in Part II are to be construed. Reference should also to be made to paragraph 5 of Part III as to how references to the subject matter of an enactment are to be construed.

Paragraph 1 provides that the matters to which any of the Sections in Part II “apply” are reserved matters.

Paragraph 2 defines what paragraph 1 means by “apply” by providing that a Section “applies” to any matter described or referred to in it when read with any illustrations, exceptions or interpretation provisions in that Section.

Paragraph 3 provides that any illustrations, exceptions or interpretation provisions in a Section relate only to that particular Section.  It provides specifically, as an example, that an entry under the heading “Exceptions” applies only to the matters listed in that Section and does not affect any other Section.  The effect is that, even though a matter is excepted from one Section, it could be reserved at least in part by another.

Head A: Financial and Economic Matters

Section A1: Fiscal, Economic and Monetary Policy
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves fiscal, economic and monetary policy, with the exception of local taxes.

Details of Provisions
Reservation

The reserved matters include the issue and circulation of money, taxes and excise duties (and the bodies which administer them), government borrowing and lending (including the issue of Government Securities), the exchange rate, the Bank of England and control over United Kingdom public expenditure.  This last reservation does not affect the Scottish Parliament’s ability to allocate resources, whether part of its assigned budget or raised through its tax-varying powers.

Exception

Local taxes to fund local authority expenditure are excepted from the reservation.  Current examples of such taxes are the council tax and non-domestic rates.

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Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Taxes Management Act 1970 (c.9):

(a)

sections 2(3), 2(6) and 3(4); and

Section 2(3) - The function of the Secretary of State to appoint the General Commissioners for the divisions in Scotland and for determining their period of office.

Section 2(6) - The function of the Secretary of State to create new divisions, abolish existing divisions or alter any divisions or their boundaries

Section 3(4) - The function of the Secretary of State to dismiss clerks or assistant clerks of the General Commissioners

(b)

sections 4(1) and (4), 4A(1), 46A(1) and 56B(1).

Section 4(1) and (4) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on appointment of Commissioners for the special purposes of the Income Tax Acts and on removal of such persons.

Section 4A(1) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on appointment of a person to be a deputy Special Commissioner.

Section 46A - The function of the Secretary of State of consenting to regulations made by the Lord Chancellor concerning jurisdiction in tax appeals.

Section 56B - The function of the Secretary of State of consenting to regulations made by the Lord Chancellor concerning practice and procedure in tax appeals.

The Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (c.1), sections 79(4) and 79(8).

Section 79(4) - The function of the Secretary of State to approve a body as an “approved local enterprise agency” for the purposes of section 79.

The Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (c.1), sections 79(4) and 79(8) (cont.).

Section 79(8) - The function of the Secretary of State to make his approval of a body conditional upon compliance with certain requirements.

The function of the Secretary of State, if it appears to him that certain circumstances apply, by notice to withdraw his approval from the body concerned with effect from such date as he may specify in the notice.

The Finance (No.2) Act 1992 (c.48), section 75(1).

The function of the Secretary of State of consenting to regulations by the Lord Chancellor providing for Commissioners to hold office by a different name.

The Value Added Tax Act 1994 (c.23):

(a)

Schedule 12, paragraphs 2, 3(2), (4) and (5) and 9; and

Schedule 12, paragraph 2 - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on appointment of the President of VAT tribunals and also the terms and conditions of the appointment.

Schedule 12, paragraph 3 - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on the retention of the President beyond normal retirement age, removal of the President from office and discharge of the President’s functions by a nominated person.

Schedule 12, paragraph 9 - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on procedural rules for VAT tribunals.

(b)

Schedule 12, paragraph 7(8).

Schedule 12, paragraph 7(8) - The function of the Lord Chancellor to pay salary and fees to a chairman or other member of a VAT tribunal.

The Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions etc.) Act 1999 (c.2), section 13(1).

The function of the Secretary of State of concurring in regulations by the Board concerning appeals to the tax appeal Commissioners.

Section A2: The Currency
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves matters relating to the currency.

General

In addition to the general macroeconomic reservation in Section A1, which reserves the issue and circulation of money, this Section explicitly reserves coinage, legal tender and bank notes.

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Details of Provisions
Reservation

The matters reserved are coinage, legal tender and bank notes.  This includes the denominations of money in the currency and the coins or notes which constitute legal tender and what coins and bank notes may be issued.

Section A3: Financial Services
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves financial services.

General

This reservation contributes to the preservation of common markets for financial services, and depositor, investor and policyholder protection, across the UK.  Fixing the dates of bank holidays is excepted from the reservation.

Details of Provisions
Reservation

What is reserved are financial services, including investment business, banking and deposit-taking, collective investment schemes and insurance.

All matters relating to financial services are reserved, not just those dealt with in the Financial Services Act 1986. The reservation expressly includes:

(a)

investment business, e.g. managing investments or providing investment advice and the authorisation and regulation of those who undertake such activities, as in the 1986 Act;

(b)

banking and deposit-taking e.g. the authorisation and regulation of those carrying on banking or deposit-taking business, as in the Banking Act 1987;

(c)

collective investment schemes e.g. unit trusts and open-ended investment companies and their regulation and authorisation, as in the 1986 Act; and

(d)

insurance.

The expression “financial services” also includes financial services, other than those expressly mentioned, such as the services provided by building societies or friendly societies.

Exception

The subject-matter of section 1 of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 is excepted from the reservation.

Section 1 of the 1971 Act deals with the fixing of bank holidays.  The Scottish Parliament is able to legislate to fix what are bank holidays in Scotland.  A further exception in this regard is made from section 1.5.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Insurance Brokers (Registration) Act 1977 (c.46), section 20.

The function of the Secretary of State to make rules as to the functions of assessors appointed under section 20.

The Building Societies Act 1986 (c.53), section 47(2)(a).

The function of the Secretary of State of appointing a chairman of a tribunal to determine an appeal by a building society under section 46.

The Financial Services Act 1986 (c.60), section 96(2)(a).

The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on the appointment of legally qualified members to the Financial Services Tribunal.

The Banking Act 1987 (c.22):

(a)

section 28(2)(a); and

Section 28(2)(a) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor as to the appointment of a chairman of a tribunal to consider an appeal under section 27.

(b)

section 30(4).

Section 30(4) - The function of the Secretary of State to make  regulations in respect of the conduct of appeals under Part 1 of the Act where the appeal concerns a Scottish institution.

The Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c.40):

(a)

section 59(2)(a); and

Section 59(2)(a) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on appointment of a chairman of a tribunal to hear an appeal  brought by a Scottish society.

(b)

section 60(4).

Section 60(4) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations in respect of conduct of appeals under the Act  brought by any   society with a registered office in Scotland.

Advice to The Queen

Special arrangements for giving advice to The Queen were described in a Prime Ministerial answer on 30 June 1999 (WA col 215) and an associated paper deposited in the House of Commons Library.  The Secretary of State for Scotland’s role in providing advice to the Privy Council on Proclamations by Her Majesty in Council under section 1 of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 altering statutory bank holidays in Scotland etc. has passed to the First Minister.

Section A4: Financial Markets
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves financial markets.

General

The reservation of financial markets ensures a common market across the UK in securities and other financial instruments, for investors and traders, including markets which operate for the purpose of raising capital and for dealing with financial instruments and currency, including foreign exchange.

Details of Provisions
Reservation

What is reserved are financial markets, such as investment exchanges or money markets.

The reserved matters are expressly stated to include:

(a)

the listing and public offers of securities and investments, such as the matters which have to be disclosed in the application for official or unofficial listing of securities by the Stock Exchange;

(b)

the transfer of securities e.g. on paper in the case of certificated securities or electronically in the case of uncertificated securities as in the CREST system; and

(c)

insider dealing.  This reserves all matters relating to what constitutes insider dealing and its consequences.

Section A5: Money Laundering
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the regulation of financial and other businesses so as to require systems to be in place to prevent money laundering.  It does not, however, reserve the criminal law as it relates to money laundering, competence in respect of which is, with certain exceptions, devolved as part of the general devolution of the criminal law.

Details of Provisions

The subject-matter of the Money Laundering Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/1933) is reserved.  Those Regulations provide a scheme of rules to regulate certain financial businesses so as to prevent money laundering.  The reservation is not however limited to financial businesses.

The Scottish Parliament is able to legislate on the criminal law generally, including the criminal law relating to money laundering.  The only exception to this concerns statutory offences involving money laundering the proceeds of drug trafficking which is reserved by Section B1 (Misuse of Drugs).

Head B - Home Affairs

Section B1: Misuse of Drugs
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the criminal law in respect of the misuse of drugs and the proceeds of drug trafficking.

General

The reservation covers matters relating to the possession, cultivation, production, supply, import and export of drugs.  In addition it covers matters relating to drug trafficking, including the acquisition, possession or use of the proceeds of drug trafficking.  It includes the statutory offences involving money laundering of the proceeds of drug trafficking, confiscation of the proceeds of drug trafficking, and forfeiture of things used in the commission of drug trafficking offences.

The Scottish Parliament, however, has competence in relation to other key matters which are relevant to the misuse of drugs, including education, health, social work, police and the criminal prosecution system.

The criminal law relating to the laundering of money obtained though other types of criminal activity is not reserved.  However, Section A5 effectively reserves the regulation of financial and other businesses so as to require systems to be in place to prevent money laundering.

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Details of Provisions

Legislative competence is reserved in relation to the subject-matter of the following enactments:

(a)

the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which makes provision with respect to dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs and related matters.  In particular, it makes provision in relation to criminal offences in respect of the cultivation, possession, production, supply, import and export of “controlled drugs” (those controlled by the Act), the authorisation of certain activities in relation to such drugs, and confers certain special powers on the police in relation to such drugs.  It also provides for the establishment of an Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs;

(b)

Sections 12 to 14 of the Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 1990, which make it an offence to manufacture or supply certain substances knowing or suspecting that the substance is to be used in or for the unlawful production of a controlled drug; enable the Secretary of State to make regulations about Scheduled substances; and make it an offence to conceal, disguise, transfer, convert or remove from the jurisdiction the proceeds of drug trafficking for the purpose of avoiding, or assisting someone to avoid, prosecution for a drug trafficking offence or the making or enforcement of a confiscation order;

(c)

Part V of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, which confer powers of search and investigation and create offences in respect of drug trafficking, in particular making it an offence for a person to acquire, use or possess property knowing that it represents the proceeds of drug trafficking; and

(d)

the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995, so far as relating to drug trafficking.  This Act makes general provision for the forfeiture of things used in the commission of crime and special provision for the confiscation of the proceeds of crime.

Executive devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (c38), Schedule 3, paragraphs 1(1)(b), 4, 13(1)(b) and 17.

Schedule 3, paragraph 1(1)(b) - The function of the Secretary of State to appoint members of a tribunal in Scotland.

Schedule 3, paragraph 4 - The function of the Secretary of State to make procedural rules and evidential rules for proceedings before tribunals in Scotland.

Schedule 3, paragraph 13(1)(b) - The function of the Secretary of State to appoint a person to an advisory body in Scotland.

Schedule 3, paragraph 17, - The function of the Secretary of State to appoint chairman and 2 other persons to a professional panel in Scotland.

Section B2: Data Protection
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves matters covered by certain United Kingdom and Community legislation concerning the protection of personal data.

General

Data protection concerns obtaining, holding, processing and disclosure of personal data (i.e. information about individuals) and the free movement of such data.  Provision for this is currently made in the Data Protection Act 1998.  The 1998 Act, which received Royal Assent on 16 July 1998, consolidated and repealed the Data Protection Act 1984.  The 1998 Act is broader than the 1984 Act in two main respects.  As required by Council Directive 95/46/EC, it extends data protection legislation to cover manually-held records as well as records held on computer.  It also covers “accessible records” which are certain records in the social work, housing, health and education fields.  Some parts of the 1998 Act did not come into force until 1 March 2000, but all of those matters are nevertheless reserved matters.

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Details of Provisions

The reservation of data protection is by reference to the subject-matter of the Data Protection Act 1998 and Council Directive 95/46/EC:

(a)

The Data Protection Act 1998.  This regulates certain activities involving the obtaining, holding, processing and disclosure of personal data (i.e. data relating to an individual who can be identified from that information).  It is in particular concerned with “data users” (i.e. persons who hold data which have been, or which are intended to be, processed by him or on his behalf) and “computer bureaux” (i.e. persons who process data on behalf of another person or allow that other person to use their equipment).  It also covers manually held records and “accessible records” mentioned above.

The 1998 Act also deals with the office of the Data Protection Registrar.  He or she is obliged to compile and maintain a register of data users and computer bureaux.  This register is available for public inspection.  Essentially, the entry for each data user on that register must describe, amongst other things, the personal data which he intends to hold, the purpose for which he intends to hold that data and a description of any persons to whom he intends or may wish to disclose the data.  A data user may not, amongst other things, hold personal data of any description other than that specified in the entry, hold that data for any purpose other than the purpose so specified or disclose such data to any person who is not described in the entry.  Similar provisions apply in respect of registered computer bureaux.

The 1998 Act also requires the Data Protection Registrar to promote the observance of the data protection principles by data users and computer bureaux.  Those principles are set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to that Act.  The purpose of the principles is to guide the use of data by data users and computer bureaux.

The interpretation part in the Section provides that where any provision of the 1998 Act is not in force on the principal appointed day (1 July 1999) it should be treated as if it were in force for the purpose of the reservation.  This is necessary because some parts of the 1998 Act did not come into force until 1 March 2000.

(b)

Council Directive 95/46/EC.  This is concerned with protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and with the free movement of such data.  It requires provision to be made which will:

i.

extend to certain types of manually processed data;

ii.

set specific conditions of processing personal data;

iii.

set tighter conditions for processing sensitive data (for example about health, political opinions or religious beliefs);

iv.

provide certain exemptions for journalism;

v.

allow individuals to object to processing in some circumstances; and

vi.

restrict some fully automated decision-making.

Most of these provisions have been implemented in the 1998 Act.  However, the Directive contains some discretionary provisions which the UK has chosen to interpret in a certain way in the 1998 Act and it also sets out provisions establishing a Committee composed of representatives of the Member States.  The reference to the Directive is therefore included to ensure that all of those matters are reserved matters.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Data Protection Act 1984 (c.35), section 3(3)(a) and (b).

The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on the appointment of chairman and deputy chairmen of the Data Protection Tribunal.

The Data Protection Act 1998 (c.29), section 6(4)(a) and (b).

The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on appointments of the chairman and deputy chairmen of the Data Protection Tribunal.

Section B3: Elections
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves matters regarding Parliamentary and European Parliamentary elections.  It also reserves the franchise at local government elections but other matters concerning local government elections are not caught by the reservation.

General

The reservation covers all matters concerning elections for membership of the House of Commons, the European Parliament, and the Scottish Parliament.  The law concerning elections covers, in particular, who may stand or vote in any elections, procedures under which votes are counted and candidates returned, and what the constituencies and timing of elections should be.

Provision is made under sections 1-14 and Schedule 1 of the Act for elections to the Scottish Parliament.  These provisions will also be outwith the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament by virtue of section 29(2)(c) and Schedule 4.

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Elections for membership of the House of Commons, the European Parliament and the Scottish Parliament are reserved, including the subject-matter of:

(a)

the European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978.  This Act provides for the election of representatives to the European Parliament including the determination of the United Kingdom’s European Parliamentary constituencies;

(b)

the Representation of the People Act 1983 and the Representation of the People Act 1985.  These Acts contain the current provisions concerning Parliamentary elections in the United Kingdom including, in particular, provision as to who may vote how they may vote, the conduct of elections and the return of members; and

(c)

the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986. This Act effectively provides for the distribution of seats in the House of Commons amongst constituencies. In particular, it provides for Boundary Commissions for the constituent parts of the United Kingdom to review the distribution of seats and determines the rules under which the Commission must conduct these reviews,

so far as they apply, or may be applied, in respect of such membership.

The franchise at local government elections is also a reserved matter but other matters concerning local government elections are not caught by the reservation.  The Scottish Parliament is thus able to legislate on:

  • the frequency of elections;

  • the terms of office of councillors;

  • the division of local government areas into electoral wards and the number of councillors elected for each ward;

  • the procedures under which votes cast in such an election should count e.g. proportional representation or first past the post;

  • the separate election of specific persons to specific council offices e.g. the direct election of convenors or leaders of local authorities;

  • the qualifications and disqualifications for holding office as a member of such a council; and

  • what should happen on any vacation of office of a member of a council.

Agency Arrangements

The Scotland Act 1998 (Agency Arrangements) Order 1999 (S.I 1999/1512) specified certain functions of a Minister of the Crown in relation to UK Parliamentary, Scottish Parliamentary and European Parliamentary elections for the purpose of section 93 of the Scotland Act.

Section B4: Firearms
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves firearms.

General

The reserved matter covers regulation of the manufacture, possession, handling, purchase or acquisition, sale, distribution and transfer of firearms.

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Details of Provisions
Reservation

The reservation is expressed by reference to the subject-matter of the Firearms Acts 1968 to 1997.  These Acts are the Firearms Act 1968, the Firearms Act 1982, the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1992 and the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997.  These Acts, inter alia:

  • make it criminal in certain circumstances and without authority to possess handle, purchase, acquire, sell, distribute or transfer certain firearms and imitation firearms;

  • provide for the need for, and issue of, firearms certificates in relation to certain firearms and ammunition;

  • make provision for the regulation of firearms dealers; and

  • and provide for the licensing and regulation of pistol clubs.

The Acts distinguish between different types of firearms in certain respects and make different provision for different types.

The reservation also covers subordinate legislation made under the Firearms Acts, in particular the Firearms (Scotland) Rules 1989 (S.I. 1989/889) which prescribe the forms to be used in connection with the grant of certificates under the Firearms Acts and the registration of firearms dealers, and also the form of the register of transactions to be kept by dealers.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Firearms Act 1968 (c.27), sections 5 and 12(2).

The function of the Secretary of State to grant an authority to allow persons to possess prohibited weapons and ammunition, impose conditions under that authority and revoke an authority.

The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 (c.45), sections 15  and 19 and the Schedule (other than paragraph 3(1)(a)).

The functions of the Secretary of State under section 15 in relation to approving certain rifle and pistol clubs.

All the functions conferred on the Secretary of State by the schedule to the Act (granting of Museums Firearms Licences which allow museums to hold firearms and ammunition without a certificate) except the function of determining a lesser amount of the fee for granting or renewing a licence.

The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 (c.5), section 7(3).

The function of making designations for the purposes of section 7(3) of the 1997 Act of a place at which a firearm is to be kept and used by virtue of a condition in a firearms certificate requiring it to be kept and used in such a place.

Section B5: Entertainment
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves certain matters which relate to entertainment.

General

The reservation covers licensing of premises for film exhibition and the classification of video recordings.

The classification of films for public exhibition, which is carried out by the British Board of Film Classification, is also to be reserved.  The Board is a non-statutory body established by the film industry in 1912 which certifies films as suitable for different categories of audience (or refuses a certificate).

Legislative competence in respect of the classification and supply of video recordings is also reserved.  The matter of broadcasting is reserved separately by Section K1.

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Details of Provisions

The subject-matter of the following are reserved:

(a)

the Video Recordings Act 1984.  This Act makes provision for regulating the distribution of video recordings.  In particular it makes provision for the classification and labelling of recordings and the supply and possession of videos that are not classified; and

(b)

sections 1 to 3 and 5 to 16 of the Cinemas Act 1985.  This Act makes provisions relating to the licensing of premises for use for film exhibition (including provision for certain exemptions from the requirements to hold a licence).

In addition, legislative competence in respect of the classification of films for public exhibition as carried out at present by the British Board of Film Classification, is reserved.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Cinemas Act 1985 (c.13), section 6(6) and (7).

The function of the Secretary of State to give a certificate on payment of such reasonable fee as he may determine to such an organisation which is not conducted or established for profit (section 6(6)); and the function of the Secretary of State to revoke a certificate given under section 6(6) (section 6(7)).

Section B6: Immigration and Nationality
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves immigration and nationality.

General

Immigration and nationality covers a range of matters, including: entry to the UK; the granting of political or other forms of asylum; the status and capacity in the UK of non-British citizens, the grant of work permits and their regulation; free movement of persons within the European Economic Area; and the issue of passports and other travel documents.

Immigration control is now largely a matter of statute, the principal controlling statute being the Immigration Act 1971 (which has been amended by a number of subsequent Immigration Acts) together with the British Nationality Act 1981 and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act 1987.  Passports and other travel documents are not subject to statutory provision, but are issued under the Royal Prerogative.

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Details of Provisions

The reservation includes the exercise of functions under the legislation described above; asylum and the status and capacity of persons in the United Kingdom who are not British citizens; free movement of persons within the European Economic Area; and the issue of travel documents.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Immigration Act 1971 (c.77):

(a)

Schedule 2, paragraph 1(2); and

The function conferred on the Secretary of State to appoint medical inspectors for the purposes of that Act.

(b)

Schedule 2, paragraph 1(3).

The function of the Secretary of State to give instructions to medical inspectors in relation to their functions under the Act.

Section B7: Scientific Procedures on Live Animals
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the use of live animals for experimental or other scientific purposes.

General

Regulation of the use of live animals for experimental or other scientific purposes is covered by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.  The law regulating the use of viable tissues or organs of animals for transplantation into humans is dealt with elsewhere and is also reserved - see Section J2 (Xenotransplantation).

Matters relating to animal health and welfare generally are the subject of separate legislation, such as, the Animal Health Act 1981.  These matters are not reserved.

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Details of Provisions

The subject-matter of the 1986 Act is reserved.  This Act makes it an offence for a person to carry out a procedure on an animal which may cause the animal pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm, unless the procedure is conducted by a person who is licensed to carry out that procedure and it is carried out as part of a programme of work for which there is a project licence.  In addition the Act regulates the premises where such work can be carried out and makes provision for the breeding of animals for experimental or other scientific purposes.  The Act also makes provision for the appointment of Inspectors and for a Committee, known as the Animal Procedures Committee.

Section B8: National Security, Interception of Communications, Official Secrets and Terrorism
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves national security, official secrets and special provisions for dealing with terrorism.  The functions of the Security Service, the Secret Intelligence Service and the GCHQ are reserved by paragraph 2(4) of Part I of Schedule 5. It also reserves the interception of communications, but not intrusive investigative techniques or the interception of certain communications made to or by a person detained at a place of detention such as a prison or hospital.

This section was amended by article 4 of the Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedules 4 and 5) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1749).

General

The matters covered by the reservation are:

(a)

national security (including safeguarding the economic well-being of the United Kingdom) and in particular its protection;

(b)

the circumstances under which communications may be intercepted, but not the use by the police of intrusive investigative techniques, such as certain kinds of surveillance or;

(c)

official secrets, in particular the protection of the national interest from activities which involve, or could involve, the unauthorised disclosure of information which might damage that interest; and

(d)

special powers and provisions for dealing with terrorism.

The police and (with certain exceptions) the criminal law generally are not reserved.

The tribunal established by the Interception of Communications Act 1985 is a cross-border public authority and has been dealt with under sections 88 to 90.

Section B10 reserves emergency powers.  Aviation and maritime security are reserved by Sections E3 and E4.  Paragraph 2(4) in Part I of Schedule 5 reserves functions of the Security Service, the Secret Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Headquarters.

Amendments to the Official Secrets Act 1989 are made by paragraph 26 of Schedule 8.

Parliamentary Consideration
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Details of Provisions

The reserved matters are:

(a)

national security;

(b)

the interception of communications.  This is now mainly covered by the Interception of Communications Act 1985. The 1985 Act sets out the circumstances in which communications (by post or by means of a public telecommunications system) may be intercepted and provides for the issue of warrants for such purposes.  It also provides for the establishment of a tribunal to investigate whether interceptions have been conducted lawfully, and for the functions and appointment by the Prime Minister of a Commissioner to keep interception activity under review and to assist the tribunal.  There is, however, excepted from this reservation:

(i)

the subject-matter of Part III of the Police Act 1997 (authorisation to interfere with property etc.);

(ii)

surveillance by the police not involving interference with property; and

(iii)

the interception of certain communications made to or by a person detained at a place of detention such as a prison or hospital(1).  The types of communication which are not caught by the reservation are written communications intercepted at the place of detention or certain telephone calls from the place of detention.  “Place of detention” is defined in the interpretation Section, as is “private telecommunications system” used in the reference to telephone calls.  Place of detention includes prison, young offenders institution, remand centre, legalised police cell and hospitals in which persons can be detained.

(c)

the subject-matter of:

i.

the Official Secrets Act 1911 which makes provisions directed against spying and includes a definition of “prohibited place” such as military establishments, which may not be entered, and the Official Secrets Act 1920, which makes further provision for the protection of prohibited places; and

ii.

the Official Secrets Act 1989, which makes provision in relation to the disclosure of official information and in particular about the circumstances in which disclosure can be made and the circumstances in which disclosure amounts to an offence.  Section 4(2) protects from disclosure information, the disclosure of which results in the commission of a crime, facilitates an escape or otherwise prejudices the safekeeping of persons in legal custody, or impedes the prevention or detection of offences or the apprehension or prosecution of suspected offenders.  In line with the general devolution of the criminal law, the protection of information for such criminal law purposes by that subsection is excepted from the reservation.

iii.

special powers and other special provisions for dealing with terrorism. This will reserve competence to make special provision about terrorism such as is made in the Suppression of Terrorism Act 1978, the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 and the Prevention of Terrorism (Additional Powers) Act 1996.  The reservation does not catch general provisions of the criminal law or public order statutes which, although not directed against terrorists as such, can be used to deal with terrorists.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750), as amended by Article 4(3) of S.I. 2000/3253.

The Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 (c.54), section 5(1)(b).

The function of the Secretary of State of authorising persons to use wireless telegraphy apparatus in order to obtain information as to the contents, sender or addressee of any message (whether sent by means of wireless telegraphy or not) and to disclose information about the same: but only so far as the function is exercisable for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime (within the meaning of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000) or of preventing disorder.

The Interception of Communications Act 1985 (c.56)(2).

(a)

section 2; and

The function of the Secretary of State of issuing a warrant requiring the addressee to intercept in the course of their transmission by post or by means of a public telecommunications system, such communications as are described in the warrant and to require disclosure of any intercepted material: but only for the purpose of preventing or detecting serious crime.

(b)

sections 4(3) and (4), 5(1)(a) and (2) and 6(1).

The function of the Secretary of State of renewing, modifying or cancelling warrants under section 2 for the purpose of preventing or detecting serious crime; and the function of the Secretary of State of making arrangements for the purpose of securing various safeguards in relation to material intercepted as a result of such warrants.

The Official Secrets Act 1989 (c.6), sections 7(5), 8(9) and 12.

The function of the Secretary of State of prescribing certain bodies which may give “official authorisation” and who may make an “official restriction”.

The function of the Secretary of State of prescribing bodies which may give an “official direction”.

The function of the Secretary of State of making orders prescribing bodies, office-holders and others who fall within the definition of “Crown servant”.

The Intelligence Services Act 1994 (c.13):

(a)

section 5; and

The function of issuing warrants on the application of the Security Service, the Secret Intelligence Service or GCHQ provided that is for the purpose of supporting the prevention or detection of serious crime.  The function is transferred for the purpose of authorising the agencies to interfere with wireless telegraphy and, in the case of the Security Service only, also for interfering with property in Scotland.

(b)

section 6(3) and (4).

The function of the Secretary of State of renewing and cancelling warrants issued under section 5 so far as the function under section 5 is transferred.

The following functions have been made concurrently exercisable by a Minister of the Crown and the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Police (Scotland) Act 1967 (c.77), section 32A.

The function of the Secretary of State in making grants in respect of expenses incurred (or to be incurred) by a police authority or joint police board in connection with safeguarding national security.

The Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968 (c.47), sections 37B and 55(4).

Section 37B - The function of the Secretary of State to give directions specifying information to be excluded, on the grounds of national security, from a register maintained by a sewerage authority.

Section 55(4) - The function of the Secretary of State to certify that, in the interests of national security, any power of entry under the Act should not apply to specified Crown premises.

The Control of Pollution Act 1974 (c.40), sections 36(2B), 42A(1), 42A(2), 42A(4) and 105(3C).

Section 36(2B) - The function of the Secretary of State to certify that, in the interests of national security, details of a discharge consent application should not be advertised.

Section 42A - The function of the Secretary of State to issue directions and make determinations concerning the exclusion, in the interests of national security, of information from registers maintained by SEPA.

Section 105(3C) - The function of the Secretary of State to certify that, in the interests of national security, any power of entry in the Act should not apply to specified Crown premises.

The Water (Scotland) Act 1980 (c.45), section 110A(4).

The function of the Secretary of State to certify that, in the interests of national security, any power of entry in the Act should not apply to specified Crown premises.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c.43), sections 21(1), 21(2), 21(4), 65(1), 65(2), 65(4) and 159(4).

Sections 21 and 65 - The functions of the Secretary of State to issue directions and make determinations concerning the exclusion, in the interests of national security, of information from registers maintained by SEPA.

Section 159(4) - The function of the Secretary of State to certify that, in the interests of national security, any power of entry under the Act should not apply to specified Crown premises.

The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (c.12), sections 25(1), 25(2) and 39(1).

The function of the Secretary of State to give directions to SEPA that, on the grounds of national security, knowledge of a particular application, registration or authorisation should be restricted

The Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c.39), section 117(1), (2) and (5)

Section 117(1) and (2) - The function of the Secretary of State to give to a water and sewerage authority directions of a general or specific nature in the interests of national security or to mitigate a civil emergency

Section 117(5) - The function of the Secretary of State to notify a person that, in the interests of national security, anything done under the section should not be revealed

The Environment Act 1995 (c.25), sections 113(2), 113(3) and 115(5).

Section 113(2) and (3) - The function of the Secretary of State to express an opinion that disclosure, or further disclosure, of information under section 113 would be contrary to the interests of national security.

Section 115(5) - The function of the Secretary of State to certify that, in the interests of national security, any power of entry under the Act should not apply to specified Crown premises.

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) ( No. 2) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000/3253).

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (c.23):

(a)

section 5;

The function of the Secretary of State to issue a warrant authorising interception   but only so far as the function are exercisable for the purpose of preventing or detecting serious crime

(b)

sections 9(1)(b) and (3), 10(1)(a) and (2) and 15(1);

The functions of the Secretary to State to vary cancel or renew an interception warrant and to ensure the proper use of intercepted material but only so far as the functions are exercisable in relation to a warrant issued under section 5 by the Scottish Ministers by virtue of the Order

(c)

sections 32 and 42;

The functions of  the Secretary of State to grant authorisations for intrusive surveillance or an intelligence service authorisations but only so far as the function is exercisable in relation to an application made by a member of the Security Service and where the granting of the authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance is necessary for the purpose of preventing or detecting serious crime

(d)

sections 44 (1) and (2)(b) and 45(1).

The functions of  the Secretary of State to sign or cancel authorisations for intrusive surveillance   but only so far as the functions are exercisable in relation to the grant of an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance under section 32 that is made by a warrant issued under section 42 by the Scottish Ministers by virtue of the Order

Section B9: Betting, Gaming and Lotteries
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves betting, gaming and lotteries (including the National Lottery).

General

Betting is at present regulated by various statutes in particular the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963.  This deals with, amongst other things, the granting of betting office licences and betting agency permits.  The 1963 Act also makes provision in relation to betting at horse racecourses and dog racecourses. It provides for the constitution of the Horserace Totalisator Board (the “Tote”) and prohibits pool betting from being carried out on a horse track other than by or with the authority of the Tote.  It also makes provision for pool betting on licensed dog tracks and for a Levy Board which assesses and collects money from bookmakers and the Tote for the purposes of improving breeds of horses, advancing or encouraging veterinary science or education, and improving horse racing.

Gaming is regulated by the Gaming Act 1986.  It is defined as the playing of a game of chance for winnings in money or moneys worth, whether any person playing the game is at risk of losing any money or money’s worth or not. It establishes the Gaming Board for Great Britain and imposes on it the duty of keeping under review the extent and character of gaming in Great Britain.

A lottery is an arrangement in which prizes are distributed by chance to persons who have paid to participate.

Lotteries are regulated by the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 and the National Lottery etc. Act 1993.  The National Lottery is run by a body licensed by the Director General of the National Lottery.  Under the 1993 Act the Secretary of State can give the Director General directions as to the exercise of his functions.  The 1993 Act also makes provision for the net proceeds of the National Lottery to be paid into a distribution fund maintained by the Secretary of State and for these to be distributed equally to the good causes of the arts, sport, charity, the national heritage and projects to mark the year 2000 and the beginning of the third millennium.  Funds in Scotland are distributed for the arts and sport by the Scottish Arts Council and the Scottish Sports Council respectively, through a fixed formula allocating 8.9 per cent of the relevant UK expenditure to Scotland.  Funds for the other three good causes are distributed on a UK basis by the National Lottery Charities Board (operating in Scotland through a statutory Scottish Committee), Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Millennium Commission respectively.  The National Lottery Act 1998 proposes the establishment with Lottery funding of a New Opportunities Fund for projects connected with health, education or the environment, and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, which is not a distributing body but which will receive an endowment from lottery derived funds.

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
CC30-Mar-98958
LC23-Jul-981081
Details of Provisions

Legislative competence for all matters relating to betting, gaming and lotteries is reserved, including the circumstances in which such activities can be carried out, taxation of the proceeds of such activities, and the National Lottery.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 (c.2), section 29(2)(b) and (4) and Schedule 1, paragraph 20(1A).

The function of the Secretary of State to appoint members of the Horserace Betting Levy Appeal Tribunal for Scotland.

The functions of the Secretary of State to amend sub-paragraph (1) of that paragraph so as to vary anything specified in that sub-paragraph.

The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1966 (c.51), section 42(2).

The function of the Secretary of State by Order to amend the fees or maximum fees in the following enactments mentioned in paragraph 26 of the first column of Part II of schedule 4 to the 1966 Act, namely fees specified in paragraph 11 of schedule 2 to the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963, being the maximum fee for registration of a pool promoter or continuation of the registration of a registered pool promoter; and the fees specified in paragraph 12 of schedule 3 to the 1963 Act, being the maximum fee for a track betting licence.

The Gaming Act 1968 (c.65):

(a)

sections 22(3) and (4); and

The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations prescribing the circumstances in which licensing authorities (in Scotland the local authority) may refuse to grant or renew licences under the Act or impose restrictions under paragraph 25 of Schedule 2 to the Act.

The function of the Secretary of State by regulations to impose restrictions with respect to the hours during which gaming can take place on premises in respect of which a licence under the Act is in force.

(b)

section 48(5)(b).

The function of the Secretary of State by order to direct that a sum specified in the specified subsections (fees for licences, registrations certificates and permits) should be substituted with such other sum as may be specified in the order.

The Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 (c.32): sections 7(4), 18(1)(d) and (f).

Section 7(4) - The function of the Secretary of State to consent, on application from a local authority, to use money accruing from a local lottery for a purpose suggested by the local authority other than the object of the lottery subject to the criteria specified in section 7(4).

Section 18(1)(d) - The function of the Secretary of State by Order to vary the fee payable under paragraph 3 or 9 of Schedule 1 to that Act.

Section 18(1)(f) - The function conferred on the Secretary of State by order to vary the fee payable under paragraph 18 of Schedule 3 to that Act ,or provide that it shall cease to be payable.

The National Lottery etc. Act 1993 (c.39):

(a)

section 25C(1), 26(1) and (2) as read with section 26A(2)(b), section 26(3), (3A) and (4) as read with section 26A(1)(a), section 29(1), (3), (4) and (5) as read with section 29(6)(c) and (d), sections 35(3) and 43B(1) and section 43C(1) as read with section 43CC(2)(b);

Section 25C(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to instruct a distributing body to prepare, review or replace a strategic plan, but only so far as relating to Scottish bodies.

Section 26(1) and (2) as read with section 26A(2)(b) - The function of the Secretary of State to give directions to the National Lotteries Charities Board or the New Opportunities Fund or to the Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, but only so far as applying only to Scotland and providing for certain matters in relation to any distribution of lottery money made for a purpose which does not concern reserved matters.

Section 26(3), (3A) and (4) as read with section 26A(1)(a) - The functions of the Secretary of State to give financial directions to a distributing body or directions relating to delegation of its powers of distribution, but only so far as relating to Scottish bodies.

Section 29(1), (4)(a) and (5) as read with section 29(6)(c) and (d) - The function of the Secretary of State by order to amend section 23(1), (2), (3) or (4) so as to substitute, add or omit bodies or substitute different percentages, but only so far as relating to Scottish bodies specified in section 23(1) or (2) and subject to the limitation that the order may substitute different percentages only where more than one Scottish body is so specified in either of those subsections and then only in relation to the particular percentage held in the Distribution Fund for distribution by that body.

Section 29(3) and (4)(b) as read with section 29(6)(c) and (d) - The function of the Secretary of State by order to provide that section 23(1), (2), (3) or (4) shall, pending the

making of an order amending that subsection under section 29(1), cease to have effect or have effect as if a body specified in it were omitted, but only so far as relating to Scottish bodies specified in section 23(1) or (2)

Section 35(3) - The function of the Secretary of State to give directions to a distributing body about the preparation of annual accounts, but only so far as relating to Scottish bodies.

Section 43B(1) - The Function of the Secretary of State to specify initiatives for the New Opportunities Fund, but only so far as relating to initiatives applying in Scotland only.

Section 43C(1) as read with section 43CC(2)(b) - The function of the Secretary of State to give directions to the New Opportunities Fund but only so far as applying to Scotland only and providing for certain matters regarding any initiative relating to a purpose which does not concern reserved matters.

(b)

section 25C(1) and section 26(1) as read with section 26A(1)(a);

Section 25C(1) and section 26(1) as read with section 26A(1)(a) - The function of the Secretary of State to give directions to a distributing body as to the matters to be taken into account in determining the persons to whom, the purposes for which and the conditions subject to which the body distributes any money under section 25(1), but only so far as relating to Scottish bodies.

(c)

sections 26(5), 27(1) and (8), 43C(2), (4) and (5); and

Section 26(5) - The function of the Secretary of State to consult a distributing body before giving it directions, but only so far as the function of giving directions has been transferred to the Scottish Ministers.

Section 27(1) and (8) - The functions of the Secretary of State to prohibit a body from distributing money or to require information, but only so far as relating to Scottish bodies.

Section 43C(2), (4) and (5) - The functions of the Secretary of State to consult the New Opportunities Fund before giving them directions, or making or revoking an order under section 43B.

(d)

Schedule 3A, paragraph 2(1) and (2) as read with paragraph 2(6)(a).

Schedule 3A, paragraph 2(1) and (2) as read with paragraph 2(6)(a) - The function of the Secretary of State to authorise or approve a joint scheme, but only in relation to joint schemes applying only in Scotland.

The following functions have been made concurrently exercisable by a Minister of the Crown and the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The National Lottery etc. Act 1993 (c.39):

(a)

section 14;

Section 14 - The function of the Secretary of State of receiving the annual report of the National Lottery Commission and of laying a copy of the report before Parliament.

(b)

section 25C(5)(c) and (d) and (6);

Section 25C(5)(c) and (d) and (6) - the functions of the Secretary of State of receiving and being consulted on a draft strategic plan of a lottery body and of receiving a copy of the strategic plan as adopted, and of laying a copy before each House of Parliament, but only as regards Scottish or GB bodies.

(c)

sections 34, 35(4) and 39(3); and

Section 34 - the functions of the Secretary of State of receiving annual reports of distributing bodies, other than the Millennium Commission, and of laying copies of each such report before Parliament.

Section 35(4) - the function of the Secretary of State of receiving a copy of the annual statement of accounts from distributing bodies, other than the National Lottery Charities Board and the Millennium Commission.

Section 39(3) - the function of the Secretary of State of receiving copies of the annual statement of accounts of the National Lottery Charities Board.

(d)

section 43D(3).

Section 43D(3) - the function of the Secretary of State of receiving copies of the annual statement of accounts of the New Opportunities Fund.

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The National Lottery Act etc. Act 1993 (c.39):

(a)

section 26(1) and (2) as read with section 26A(2)(a), section 26(3A) as read with section 26A(1)(b), section 28, section 43C(1) as read with section 43CC(2)(a), and Schedule 3A, paragraph 2(1) and (2) as read with paragraph 2(6)(b);

Section 26(1) and (2) as read with section 26A(2)(a) - the function of the Secretary of State to give directions to the National Lottery Charities Board or the New Opportunities Fund or to the Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, but only so far as applying to the whole of the UK and providing for matters other than those to be provided specifically for Scotland in accordance with section 26A(3).

Section 26(3A) as read with section 26A(1)(b) - the function of the Secretary of State to give directions to a distributing body as regards delegation of its powers of distribution, but only so far as relating to GB bodies.

Section 28 - the function of the Secretary of State of amending section 22(3) to substitute different percentages.

Section 43C(1) as read with section 43CC(2)(a) - the function of the Secretary of State to give directions to the New Opportunities Fund, but only so far as relating to directions applying to the whole of the UK and providing for matters other than those to be provided specifically for Scotland in accordance with section 43CC(3).

Schedule 3A, paragraph 2(1) and (2) as read with paragraph 2(6)(b) - the function of the Secretary of State of authorising or approving a joint scheme applying in one or more parts of the UK, including Scotland.

(b)

section 29(1), (3), (4) and (5) as read with section 29(6)(a) and (b); and

Section 29(1), (4)(a) and (5) - The function of the Secretary of State by order to amend section 23(1), (2), (3) or (4) so as to substitute, add or omit bodies or substitute different percentages, but only so far as relating to GB bodies or substitution of the total aggregate percentage specified as held in the Distribution Fund for Scottish bodies specified in section 23(1) or (2).

Section 29(3) and (4)(b) - The function of the Secretary of State, by order, to provide that section 23(1), (2), (3) or (4)  shall, pending the making of an order amending that subsection under section 29(1), cease to have effect or have effect as if a body specified in it were omitted, but only so far as relating to GB bodies.

(c)

Schedule 6A, paragraph 1(1) and (2).

Schedule 6A, paragraph 1(1) and (2) - the function of the Secretary of State to appoint members of the New Opportunities Fund, but only so far as relating to the appointment of a member suited to make the interests of Scotland his special care.

Section B10: Emergency Powers
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves emergency powers.

General

This reservation is concerned with the circumstances in which unusual powers can be exercised for enabling effective rule in the event of a crisis. In practice this has often involved the deployment of the armed forces for example to provide essential services.

The main statutory provisions are set out in the Emergency Powers Act 1920.  This gives power for Her Majesty to declare a state of emergency and to make regulations by Order in Council for securing the essentials of life to the community e.g. for the preservation of peace, and for securing and regulating the distribution of food, water, fuel etc.

In addition servicemen may be employed under the royal prerogative in extraordinary circumstances to deal with particular crises.

Planning by the civil authorities for emergencies is not, however, caught by the reservation.

Details of Provisions

Legislative competence on all matters relating to emergency powers is reserved.  In particular this covers the circumstances in which such powers can be exercised, what the powers should be and any ancillary provision such as compensation for loss arising from the exercise of these powers.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been made concurrently exercisable by a Minister of the Crown and the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c.39), section 117(1), (2) and (5).

Section 117(1) and (2) - The function of the Secretary of State to give to a water and sewerage authority directions of a general or specific nature in the interests of national security or to mitigate a civil emergency

Section 117(5) - The function of the Secretary of State to notify a person that, in the interests of national security, anything done under the section should not be revealed

Section B11: Extradition
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves extradition.

General

Extradition is the process under which a person may be surrendered by one state to another so as to face trial in that other state for an alleged crime.

There are restrictions upon who can be extradited, for example, covering political offences or speciality (under which the person can only be tried for the offence for which the extradition was ordered).

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
CC30-Mar-98958
Details of Provisions

Legislative provision covering matters relating to extradition are reserved.  In particular this covers the Extradition Act 1989 which consolidated and amended the Extradition Acts 1870 to 1935 and which provides the procedures for extraditing persons to states other than the Republic of Ireland.  It also covers extradition to the Republic of Ireland which is carried out under a procedure known as the backing of warrants, under the Backing of Warrants Act 1965.  It also covers extradition to the United Kingdom although there is in practice scope for only very limited provision under UK law since obligations on states to extradite persons to the UK are very largely a matter for international law and the law of the state in question.

Executive Competence

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Extradition Act 1989 (c.33):

(a)

section 6(1) to (4) and (6) and (7);

Section 6(1) to (4) and (6) - The function of the Secretary of State of determining whether a person should be returned to another country and of giving consent to a person being dealt with for another offence being an extradition crime.

Section 6(7) - The function of the Secretary of State of issuing a certificate confirming the existence of an arrangement with a Commonwealth country or a colony and stating its terms.

(b)

section 7(1);

Section 7(1) and (4) - The functions of the Secretary of State of issuing an order for the surrender of a person under the Act (referred to as ‘an authority to proceed’).

(c)

sections 7(4), 8(4), 9(5), 11(1), 12, 13(1) and (4), 16(5) and 20(2).

Section 8(4) - The function of the Secretary of State of receiving a  notice that a provisional warrant has been issued and the function of cancelling that warrant and of discharging the person from custody.

Section 9(5) - The function of the Secretary of State of receiving notice of the period after which a person will fall to be discharged from custody.

Section 11(1) - The function of the Secretary of State of receiving notice of committal.

Section 12 - The function of the Secretary of State of making an order by warrant for return.

Section 13 - The function of the Secretary of State of giving notice under subsection (1) that he is contemplating making an order under section 12(1) and considering representations under subsection (4).

Section 16(5) - The function of the Secretary of State of receiving notice of an application for discharge.

Section 20(2) - The function of the Secretary of State of arranging for a person to be sent back to a foreign state, Commonwealth country or colony.

Section B12: Lieutenancies
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the subject-matter of the Lieutenancies Act 1997.

General

The Office of the King’s Lieutenant now known as Lord-Lieutenant stems back to the middle ages.  Until comparatively recent times the office holders were principally concerned with the operation of the Militia Acts.  The functions of Lord-Lieutenants are now largely ceremonial and include representing the Crown in various capacities e.g. attending visits, attending upon visiting Heads of State, presenting medals and colours.  It is usual for the Lord-Lieutenant to chair and advise on the membership of the local advisory committee on justices of the peace, which makes recommendations about who should be appointed JPs.

Details of Provisions

The subject-matter of the Lieutenancies Act 1997 is reserved.  That Act makes provision for the division of Scotland into areas for lieutenancy purposes, for the appointment and removal of Lord-Lieutenants, Lieutenants, deputy Lieutenants, vice Lord-Lieutenants and clerks of lieutenancies and about the functions and privileges of each office.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Lieutenancies Act 1997 (c.23), section 2(4).

The function of the Secretary of State of informing a Lord Lieutenant that Her Majesty does not approve of the granting of a commission of a Deputy Lieutenant to the person whom he proposed for appointment.
Advice to The Queen

Special arrangements for giving advice to The Queen were described in a Prime Ministerial answer on 30 June 1999 (WA col 215) and an associated paper deposited in the House of Commons Library.  Part of that answer was as follows:

There are some matters in respect of which the Prime Minister gives advice to Her Majesty on the exercise of Her functions and on which it is appropriate for the Prime Minister to consult or to take advice from the First Minister. These matters include recommendations of Scottish candidates for honours and dignities, which are a reserved matter, and advice on the appointment of Lord Lieutenants in Scotland, the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and members of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution and the Forestry Commission.

Section B13: Access to information
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves public access to information held by public bodies subject to certain exceptions. By so doing, it clarifies the extent to which the Scottish Parliament can legislate about public access to information held by public bodies (what is commonly referred to as “freedom of information”).  It was added by Article 5 of the Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedules 4 and 5) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1749).

Details of Provisions

This Section reserves public access to information held by public bodies or holders of public offices (including government departments and persons acting on behalf of the Crown).

There is excepted from that reservation information held by the Parliament, any part of the Scottish Administration, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and any Scottish public authority with mixed functions or no reserved functions. However, information which has been supplied by a Minister of the Crown or government department and which is held by any of those bodies in confidence continues to be reserved. Subject to that qualification, however, the Scottish Parliament can legislate about information held by any of those bodies.

Head C: Trade and Industry

Section C1: Business Associations
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves business associations, subject to certain exceptions.

General

This reservation is designed to ensure the reservation of a common United Kingdom system for the regulation of companies and other business organisations in order to preserve a level playing field for business within the United Kingdom.

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
CC30-Mar-98982
LC23-Jul-981089
Details of Provisions
Reservation

This Section reserves the creation, operation, regulation and dissolution of types of business association.

Business association is defined in the interpretation part as any person (other than an individual) established for the purpose of carrying on any kind of business, whether or not for profit; and “business” is defined as including the provision of benefits to the members of an association.  Accordingly, types of business associations will therefore include companies, whether or not registered under the companies legislation, partnerships, building societies, friendly societies, industrial and provident societies, European economic interest groupings (in terms of Article 1 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2137/85).  This is not an exclusive list: any other type of business association which fell within this definition would be covered by the reservation.

The reserved matters are:

(a)

the creation of types of business associations, such as the manner in which limited liability companies are incorporated by registration under the Companies Act 1985 and matters relating to their constitution and membership;

(b)

the operation of types of business associations. This includes matters relating to the operation of the internal structure and organs of the type of business association, such as the appointment and powers of officers or boards of directors. It also includes matters such as the liability of members and officers of the association to the association and to its creditors;

(c)

the regulation of types of business association. This includes matters such as the authorisation, registration, supervision and investigation of business associations and their relationships and disqualification of persons from involvement in business associations and other civil or criminal sanctions; and

(d)

the dissolution of types of business associations. This includes the circumstances or procedures giving rise to the dissolution of a business association.

The reservation does not, of course, prevent the Scottish Ministers from establishing any business association, such as a company, for devolved purposes but any such company would require to comply with the relevant Act of the UK Parliament.  What is reserved is the legislative competence to provide how companies can be created, operated and regulated.

The reservation also does not prevent the Scottish Parliament from legislating on Scots private law matters which apply to business associations, such as applying some provision about contract or liability for damages to companies, as long as the law concerned affects devolved and reserved matters consistently, as provided in section 29(4) of the Act. If the Secretary of State considered that any such legislation would have an adverse effect on the operation of the law as it applies to reserved matters, such as companies legislation, he could make an order under section 35(1) preventing the Bill from being submitted for Royal Assent.

Exceptions

What is excepted from the reservation is the creation, operation, regulation and dissolution of:

(a)

particular public bodies or public bodies of a particular type established by or under any enactment.  This is to ensure that the Scottish Parliament is able by or under any enactment to create and provide for the operation, regulation and dissolution of any public bodies for devolved purposes.  These might include a particular statutory body, or types of statutory bodies, such as local authorities or other bodies required to carry on activities within a devolved area such as in the fields of health, education, the environment, legal aid, arts, sport, urban regeneration.  This exception therefore permits the Parliament to establish public bodies for devolved purposes only: it would not permit the Parliament to establish bodies for purposes relating to any of the reserved matters; and

(b)

charities. This exception is required because business associations are defined in such a way as to catch any association carrying on a business, whether or not for profit. It would therefore catch charities. However, it is intended that the Scottish Parliament should be able to legislate to provide for how charities may be created, operated, regulated and dissolved under Scots law.

Section C2: Insolvency
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves aspects of insolvency and winding up.  It has been amended by S.I. 2001/1456.

General

Most matters relating to the insolvency and winding up of business associations are reserved.  However, where there are substantial differences in insolvency law and practice between England and Wales on the one hand and Scotland on the other affecting certain matters (as for example, in the case of matters relating to receiverships or the process of winding up), these matters are excepted from the general reservation.

A limited number of matters relating to the insolvency of all persons (and not only to the insolvency of business associations) are also reserved under this Section.  These are the reservations relating to preferred or preferential debts, regulation of insolvency practitioners and co-operation of insolvency courts.

Paragraph 23 of Schedule 8 also provides for certain non-reserved functions of the Registrar of Companies in Scotland and the Assistant Registrar of Friendly Societies for Scotland to be transferred to the Accountant in Bankruptcy who is an office-holder in the Scottish Administration.  This means that functions relating to the devolved aspects of insolvency in Scotland are concentrated in a single office-holder appointed by and accountable to the Scottish Ministers.  The Registrar of Companies and Assistant Registrar of Friendly Societies will be left with their functions and will be accountable only to the UK Government and Parliament.

Details of Provisions

The reserved matters are:

(a)

Winding up of business associations.  In general, matters relating to the winding up of business associations are reserved, subject to certain exceptions.

For this purpose “business association” is defined as having the same meaning as in Section C1 (Business associations), subject to the qualification that it does not include any person whose estate may be sequestrated under the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985, such as a partnership, or any public body established by or under an enactment. Sequestration or winding up of those bodies will not be reserved.

The expression “winding up” is also defined, in relation to business associations, as including the winding up of solvent, as well as insolvent, business associations.

The matters which are reserved, in relation to business associations, are:

i.

the modes of, the grounds for and the general legal effect of winding up, and the persons who may initiate winding up;

ii.

liability to contribute to assets on winding up;

iii.

powers of courts in relation to proceedings for winding up, other than the power to sist proceedings;

iv.

arrangements with creditors; and

v.

procedures giving protection from creditors.

These reservations have the effect that all matters leading to the commencement of the winding up of business associations, and matters relating to the commencement itself of the winding up, are reserved.  Thus, the circumstances in which a business association may be wound up voluntarily or by the courts; the grounds on which a petition for winding up may be presented; the persons who may initiate a winding up; the powers of the courts on hearing a petition for winding up; the definition of the commencement of the winding up; and the liability of persons (such as shareholders) to contribute to the assets on a winding up, are all reserved. This ensures that, so far as possible, the law relating to the winding up of business associations will be similar in England and Wales and Scotland.

Furthermore, matters relating to arrangements with creditors entered into by business associations (such as company voluntary arrangements) or procedures which give such associations protection from creditors (such as administration orders) are also reserved.

However, there is excepted from these reservations, in relation to business associations:

i.

the process of winding up. In other words, matters relating to the winding up process itself after it has commenced are not reserved. This includes the person having responsibility for the conduct of a winding up or any part of it, and his conduct of it or that part;

ii.

the effect of winding up on diligence. Diligence is the process under Scots law whereby court judgements are enforced against a debtor’s assets. Under Scots law, diligences done within a certain time of the commencement of winding up are equalised so that all creditors are treated equally in the ranking of their claims; and

iii.

the avoidance and adjustment of prior transactions on winding up. Thus, it is open to the Scottish Parliament to legislate in respect of transactions concluded before the winding up of a business association, to provide for them to be rendered void, or for some other appropriate remedy.  The need for that could arise, for instance, where such a transaction has been concluded for less than full value, or has the effect of giving a preference to a particular creditor, to the prejudice of the general body of creditors.  Such matters would be dealt with in the course of a winding up and are excluded from the reservation.

S.I. 2001/1456 also added further exceptions in relation to business associations which are social landlords, namely:

i.

the general legal effect of winding up;

ii.

procedures for the initiation of winding up;

iii.

powers of courts in relation to proceedings for winding up; and

iv.

procedures giving protection from creditors,

but only in so far as they relate to a moratorium on the disposal of property held by a social landlord and the management and disposal of such property. Social landlords are defined as being registered companies or industrial and provident societies which have their registered office in Scotland and which satisfy certain conditions, namely that they do not trade for profit and are established for the purpose of, or have among their objects and powers, the provision, construction, improvement or management of houses for letting or for occupation by members of the body or hostels. This exception was made for the purpose of enabling the Scottish Parliament to legislate about such matters in Schedule 8 to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 10).

(b)

Preferred or Preferential Debts.  There are also reserved matters relating to preferred or preferential debts for the purpose of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985, the Insolvency Act 1986 and any other enactment relating to the sequestration of the estate of any person or to the winding up of business associations, the preference of such debts against other such debts and the extent of their preference over other types of debt.

Certain types of debts, such as taxes which the debtor has collected on behalf of the Crown and sums due to employees, are given a special priority in the bankruptcy or sequestration of individuals and other persons, and in the winding up of business associations, in the sense that they are paid in advance of other debts. What is reserved are matters relating to such debts and the extent of their priority over other debts.

(c)

Regulation of insolvency practitioners.  Matters relating to the regulation of insolvency practitioners are reserved.

Under Part XIII of the Insolvency Act 1986, which applies to Great Britain, a person who acts, for example, as a liquidator in a winding up or as trustee in the sequestration of a person’s estate or as a trustee under a trust deed for an individual’s creditors is required to be qualified to act as an insolvency practitioner.

These matters are reserved, even although the Scottish Parliament has legislative competence over the appointment and powers of liquidators or a person having responsibility for the conduct of a winding up.

(d)

Co-operation of insolvency courts.  Matters relating to the co-operation of insolvency courts are reserved.

(e)

Floating Charges and Receivers.  Matters relating to floating charges and receivers are not reserved, except in relation to preferential debts, regulation of insolvency practitioners and co-operation of insolvency courts.

The circumstances in which receivers may be appointed and the effect of their appointment, are not reserved.  However, matters relating to the qualifications which a receiver must have before he may act as such are reserved under the reservation relating to the regulation of insolvency practitioners.

Section C3: Competition
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the regulation of anti-competitive practices and agreements; abuse of dominant position, and monopolies and mergers. It does not, however, prevent the Scottish Parliament from legislating to regulate particular practices in the legal profession for the purpose of regulating the profession or the provision of legal services, although the Scottish legal profession will still be subject to general UK competition law.

General

This reservation is designed to ensure the continuation of a common United Kingdom system for the regulation of competition matters.  Responsibility for competition policy rests with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

Competition matters are currently regulated by the Competition Act 1998 which introduced a prohibition approach to anti-competitive agreements and abuse of a dominant position.  The Director General of Fair Trading is responsible for enforcement of the prohibitions with rights of appeal to a new tribunal within a new Competition Commission.  The Competition Commission will also take over the existing functions of the Monopolies and Merger Commission.  Existing merger and monopoly legislation under the Fair Trading Act 1973 will remain in force.

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Details of Provisions
Reservation

What is reserved is the regulation of anti-competitive practices and agreements; abuse of dominant position; monopolies and mergers.  This includes all matters relating to that regulation, including:

(a)

the powers to investigate any body or person for the purposes of enforcing competition law;

(b)

the administration of competition law through the respective powers of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, the Director General of Fair Trading and any other authority exercising competition functions.

Exception

What is excepted from the reservation is the regulation of particular practices in the legal profession for the purpose of regulating that profession or the provision of legal services. What constitutes the legal profession for this purpose is expressly defined.

This is intended to reflect the former position in terms of which the Secretary of State for Scotland had policy responsibility for regulating the legal profession and the provision of legal services in Scotland.  This is mainly for the purpose of the protection of the public (or, in other words, consumer protection) but also includes regulating the rules and organisations of the legal profession, where the regulation may affect competition in the provision of legal services.  For example, provisions increasing the provision of court services by permitting certain solicitor advocates to have a right of audience in the Court of Session and High Court requires, in order to be effective, to be accompanied by provisions which regulate rules of conduct by advocates which, by being anti-competitive, might thwart that policy objective - see, for example, section 31 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Scotland) Act 1990 (“the 1990 Act”) which requires the Faculty of Advocates to submit certain rules for the approval of the Secretary of State for Scotland who, in turn, is required to consult the Director General of Fair Trading. One of the effects of this exception is that the functions exercisable by the Secretary of State for Scotland were, upon devolution, transferred to the Scottish Ministers under section 53.  However the Scottish Ministers are still required to consult the DGFT before exercising those functions.

The exception does not, however, enable the Scottish Parliament to legislate generally about the regulation of anti-competitive practices concerning the legal profession in Scotland.  This remains a matter for the UK Parliament.  Nor does the exception limit the ability of the UK competition authorities to investigate anti-competitive practices concerning the Scottish legal profession and apply to the members of that profession the provisions of general competition legislation.

Interpretation

The expression “legal profession” is defined as meaning not only advocates and solicitors but also qualified conveyancers and executry practitioners who are authorised under the 1990 Act to provide conveyancing and executry services respectively.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Competition Act 1998 (c.41), Schedule 7, paragraphs 2(4) and 4(4).The functions of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Secretary of State on appointments to the panel of chairmen of the Competition Commission and on appointment of the President of the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunals.
Section C4: Intellectual Property
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves intellectual property, subject to an exception for plant breeders’ rights.

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Details of Provisions
Reservation

Intellectual property is reserved.

This reservation covers all matters relating to existing and future intellectual property and ancillary matters, including registration of patent and trademark agents.  This includes patents, design right, trade marks and copyright and all other existing and future analogous rights and matters, such as design registration, publication rights, rights in performances and semi-conductor topographies, technical measures for protection of works and rights management information, moral rights, and the law on passing-off, trade secrets and database rights.

Exception

There is excepted from this reservation the subject-matter of Parts I and II of the Plant Varieties Act 1997.  These Parts deal with the proprietary rights of plant breeders, the licensing of the use of the plant varieties, and with the establishment of an appeals tribunal and related matters.  The Scottish Parliament has legislative competence to legislate about plant breeders’ rights in view of the devolution of agricultural matters generally.

The purpose and scope of the reservation of intellectual property was explained in a Written answer by Henry McLeish on 17 November 1998 (WA Col 466). The same question was also answered by Lord Sewel on the same day (WA Col 152). The text is as follows:

Intellectual Property

Mr. David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the purpose and scope of the reservation of intellectual property in the Scotland Bill. [60441]

Mr. McLeish: The purpose of the reservation is to ensure the continuation of uniform intellectual property laws across the UK. This will avoid difficulties for owners of intellectual property rights arising from, for example, difference in what can be protected, the extent of the protection and remedies for breach of rights. Indeed, the benefits of harmonisation in this area are becoming increasingly recognised with the ever wider harmonisation of intellectual property rights and related matters across Europe and the rest of the world.

Patents, designs, registered trade marks and copyright are well known examples of intellectual property rights and are reserved.  The reservation also embraces all other existing and future analogous rights and matters, such as rights in performances and semi-conductor topographies, moral rights, the law of passing off and trade secrets, and the new database right.  Moreover, rights such as those in utility models and matters such as technical measures for the protection of copyright works and information relating to the management of rights, all of which are included in recent draft EC Directives on intellectual property, fall within the scope of the reservation.  Furthermore, all matters relating to the Patent Office are reserved, as are current and future ancillary matters.

The existing major legislation on intellectual property, namely the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, the Patents Act 1977, the Trade Marks Act 1994 and the Registered Designs Act 1949, exemplifies but does not limit the range of provisions relating to 'intellectual property' which falls or may in the future fall within the reservation.

There is just one exception from the reservation, that is UK plant breeders' rights within the meaning of the Plant Varieties Act 1997. Agricultural Ministers, that is the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, are jointly responsible for UK plant breeders' rights. Devolution in this one area of intellectual property is therefore consistent with the joint responsibility which already exists for plant breeders' rights.

Executive devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (c.48), sections 145(2) and 150(1).

Section 145(2) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on appointment of chairman and 2 deputy chairmen of the Copyright Tribunal.

Section 150(1) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on procedural rules for the Copyright Tribunal.

The Trade Marks Act 1994 (c.26), section 77(4).

The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on appointing a person to hear appeals under the Act and on removing such a person from office.

Residual Functions

The functions of the Secretary of State for Scotland under the Plant Varieties and Seeds Act 1964 and the Plant Varieties Act 1997 were transferred to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as appropriate, by the Transfer of Functions (Agriculture and Food) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/3141).

Section C5: Import and Export Control
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the control of import and export of goods and of endangered species of animals or plants to and from any part of the United Kingdom.  It has been amended by S.I. 2000/3252.

The control of movement of food, animals, plants and other items into and out of Scotland for the purposes of protecting human, animal or plant health, or to safeguard animal welfare, to protect the environment or to meet EU obligations under the Common Agricultural Policy is not reserved.

General

This reservation is intended to ensure that in all parts of the UK common rules will continue to govern the import and export of goods.  It will preserve a level playing field for business within the framework of European law and international trade agreements, which are reserved matters under paragraph 7 of Part I of Schedule 5.  It also covers, inter alia, the import and export of works of art and the international trade in endangered species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Reservation in this Section of control of the import and export of goods is supplemented by reservations for product standards, safety & liability (Section C8), protection of trading and economic interests (Section C15), and control of weapons (Section L3).

The work of Scottish Trade International - a joint bureau of the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise - in promoting exports from Scotland is not, however, reserved by this Section.

Details of Provisions

The reserved matters are:

(a)

the subject-matter of the Import, Export and Customs Powers (Defence) Act 1939. This Act provides for controlling the import, export and carriage coastwise of goods and for the enforcement of the law relating to these matters. It empowers the Secretary of State to prohibit or regulate the movement of goods to or from the UK, or specified parts of the country; and to make provision to enforce such regulations including penal sanctions and seizure of goods.  The Treasury is given power to impose charges in connection with the regulation of trade in goods; and

(b)

the prohibition and regulation of the import and export of endangered species of animals and plants.

Originally enacted in emergency powers legislation in September 1939, the 1939 Act is now part of the body of legislation governing controls over trade.  It also includes certain provisions relating to trading with the enemy, also a reserved matter under Defence at paragraph 9(1)(e) of Part I of Schedule 5.

Responsibility for operating import and export controls lies primarily with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.  The control over imports is comprehensive but most types of goods are released from control by an open general import licence.  But, particular controls are applied under the Act on, at present, imports of: certain steel and textile products from certain countries; certain other non-textile products from China; firearms and ammunition; radioactive materials; goods falling within the scope of the chemical weapons convention; and goods from areas subject to comprehensive UN sanctions.

The prohibition and regulation of the import and export of endangered species is also reserved because animals and plants do not otherwise fall within the controls on “goods”. The basis for current law at a British and EC level is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), although the Regulations which give effect to CITES at the EC and UK levels in some respects go beyond the Convention’s requirements and involve ancillary controls e.g. over advertising or transport for sale. The great majority of species to which CITES applies are exotic, but some are indigenous to the UK, e.g. the golden eagle.

Exceptions

In line with the general devolution of agriculture, fisheries, food and related matters, the prohibition and regulation of movement into and out of Scotland of the following are excepted from the reservation:

(a)

food, animals, animal products, plants and plant products but only for the purposes of protecting human, animal or plant health, animal welfare or the environment or observing or implementing obligations under the Common Agriculture Policy; and

(b)

animal feeding stuffs, fertilisers and pesticides (including anything treated as if it were a pesticide by virtue of section 16(16) of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985)(3) but only for the purposes of protecting human, animal or plant health or the environment.

Section C6: Sea Fishing
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the regulation of sea fishing outwith the Scottish zone, except in relation to Scottish fishing boats. By so doing, it clarifies the extent to which the Scottish Parliament can legislate about sea fishing outwith Scotland.

Details of Provisions

This Section reserves the regulation of sea fishing outwith the Scottish zone.

The Scottish zone is defined in section 126(1) as meaning the sea within British fishery limits (that is, the limits set by or under section 1 of the Fishery Limits Act 1976) which is adjacent to Scotland. Section 1(1) of the 1976 Act provides that the British fishery limits extend 200 miles from the baselines from which the territorial sea of the United Kingdom is measured. Section 126(2) enables Her Majesty by Order in Council to make provision for determining (among other things) any boundary between waters which are to treated as sea within the British fisher limits which are adjacent to Scotland and those which are not. Such provision has been made in the Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundary Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1126).

This has the effect of providing that the Scottish Parliament can legislate to regulate sea fishing within the Scottish zone, even although it may be outwith Scotland (including the territorial seas adjacent to Scotland).

Exception

There is an exception from the reservation which would enable the Scottish Parliament to regulate sea fishing by Scottish fishing boats even outwith the Scottish zone.

The interpretation part defines “Scottish fishing boat” as meaning a fishing vessel which is registered in the register maintained under section 8 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 and whose entry in that register specifies a port in Scotland as the port to which the vessel is to be treated as belonging.

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Executive Devolution

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c.21), section 10(2)(f).

The function of the Secretary of State, by regulation, to make provision for and in connection with the registration of a fishing vessel as British ships (section 10(2)(f), provide for regulations to be made with respect to (among other matters) the marking of ships registered or to be registered, including marks for identifying the port to which a fishing vessel is to be treated as belonging).

Agency Arrangements

The Scotland Act 1998 (Agency Arrangements) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1512) specified functions under section 4 of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967 and the Sea Fish Licensing Order 1992 (functions in relation to licensing of fishing boats) for the purpose of section 93 of the Scotland Act.

Section C7: Consumer Protection
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves various consumer protection and related matters, subject to certain exceptions.

General

This reservation is designed to ensure the reservation of a common United Kingdom system for the regulation of consumer protection and related matters in order to preserve a level playing field for consumers and business.

The DTI is responsible throughout the UK for consumer protection matters such as the sale and supply of goods and services to consumers, and related matters, which may not be restricted to consumers, such as trade descriptions, misleading advertising price indications etc.  So that the interests of consumers across the whole UK market can best be protected, the current UK-wide arrangements will be maintained.  The Scottish Office was formerly consulted on a non-statutory basis in connection with relevant work programme proposals and various other matters to do with Scottish consumer bodies, which receive funding from, and in some cases are appointed by, the DTI e.g. Scottish Consumer Council and Citizens Advice Scotland.  The Scottish Consumer Council, National Consumer Council and the Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux have been specified as cross-border public authorities.

The Scottish Parliament has legislative power in this area in respect of food safety, because this is integral to the policy areas of agriculture and food which are not reserved, and in respect of advertising which is specific to tobacco and tobacco products in view of its similar linkage to health.

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Reservation

There are three main groups of reserved matters: the regulation of various matters, the safety of consumer services, and the subject-matter of various enactments.

(i)

First Group

The regulation of the following are reserved matters:

i.

the sale and supply of goods and services to consumers.  This covers the terms on which goods and services are sold and supplied to consumers.  There are currently a number of pieces of legislation falling under this heading including the Sale of Goods Act 1979, the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999.  The scope of most of this legislation goes beyond the reserved matter of protection of consumers.  The reservation does not prevent the Scottish Parliament from legislating about these wider matters;

ii.

guarantees in relation to such goods and services.  Statutory implied terms in relation to the sale and supply of goods and services to consumers are covered by the reservation at (a) above;

iii.

hire purchase, including the subject-matter of Part III of the Hire Purchase Act 1964.  This currently includes the provisions of the Supply of Goods (Implied Terms) Act 1973.  Part III of the Hire Purchase Act 1964 deals with title to motor vehicles which are disposed of while subject to hire purchase agreements;

iv.

trade descriptions, except in relation to food.  This deals with all matters related to false trade descriptions and is not limited to the protection of consumers. It currently includes the subject-matter of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968. There is an exception made for trade descriptions for food;

v.

misleading and comparative advertising, except regulation specifically in relation to food, tobacco and tobacco products.  This deals with all matters related to misleading advertising and other regulation of advertising, apart from the specific exemptions.  This currently includes the subject-matter of the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988 and of the Comparative Advertising Directive 1997;

vi.

price indications.  This deals with all matters related to the regulation of price indications.  This currently includes relevant provisions in the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the EC Directive on Price Indications;

vii.

trading stamps.  This deals with all matters regulating the issue, use and redemption of trading stamps and similar tokens and the right of holders of such stamps. It currently includes the Trading Stamps Act 1964;

viii.

auctions and mock auctions of goods and services.  This relates to all matters related to sale of goods and services by auction and the prohibition of mock auctions i.e. sales which purport to be auctions, but in which the right to bid is restricted, goods are sold below the bid price or are given away, and similar trading practices intended to put undue pressure on customers.  This currently includes the Auctioneers Act 1845, the Auctions (Bidding Agreements) Act 1969 and the Mock Auctions Act 1961; and

ix.

hall-marking and gun barrel proofing.  This covers the regulation of hallmarks applied to articles of precious metal.  Gun barrel proofing is the process of testing a gun for safety in order to disclose any fault or weakness and is a statutory requirement for all small arms.

(b)

Second Group

Matters relating to the safety of, and liability for, services to consumers are reserved.  This covers any matters related to the supply of services which reflect similar provisions as those relating to product safety and liability in Section C8.

(c)

Third Group

The subject-matter of the following enactments are reserved:

i.

the Hearing Aid Council Act 1968.  This provides for the establishment of the Hearing Aid Council and its function of ensuring that hearing aid dispensers maintain adequate standards of competence and conduct;

ii.

the Unsolicited Goods and Services Acts 1971 and 1975.  This provides for protection of people, whether consumers or others who receive unsolicited goods.  The Act also provides measures of protection of people who are charged for unsolicited directory entries;

iii.

Parts I to III and XI of the Fair Trading Act 1973.  Part I of the Fair Trading Act (FTA) deals with the role and functions of the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT);

Part II of the FTA provides for the establishment of a Consumer Protection Advisory Committee and deals with its functions and the Orders which may be made following its recommendations;

Part III of the FTA sets out the powers of the DGFT to deal with traders who follow a course of conduct which is unfair and detrimental to the interests of consumers;

Part XI of the FTA contains provisions for regulations to be made setting out requirements which the organisers of pyramid selling and similar trading schemes must observe in relation to participants and prospective participants and creates offences related to some pyramid selling activities.  While a participant acts in a trading rather than a consumer role, this issue has formed part of the consumer policy area because participants are seen to need protection of a similar nature to that needed by consumers;

iv.

the Consumer Credit Act 1974.  This regulates the advertising and provision of credit and hire arrangements to individuals (consumers and unincorporated entities) and provides for the licensing of credit providers and hirers;

v.

the Estate Agents Act 1979.  This regulates the activities of estate agents.  The 1979 Act does not apply to things done in the course of his profession by a practising solicitor or person employed by him;

vi.

the Timeshare Act 1992.  This provides for the minimum information which must be given to consumers prior to contract, the minimum contents of contracts and for the cancellation of agreements without penalty within a cooling off period.  The Act was amended by the Timeshare Regulations 1997 which implemented the EC Timeshare Directive;

vii.

the Package Travel, Package Holiday and Package Tours Regulations 1992.  This covers requirements on information given to consumers, in brochures and otherwise, content and form of contracts, provisions which traders must make for the protection of consumers’ pre-payments, other obligations of traders and related offences and civil rights of consumers; and

viii.

the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.  This provides for the rights and duties of principals and their agents in relation to each other, the remuneration and commission to which agents are entitled, the right of an agent to a contract and provisions on the termination of contract.  While the regulations do not deal with consumers, the issue has been dealt with as part of the consumer policy agenda because of the imbalance of power which often exists between the agent and the principal.

Exceptions

What is excepted from all of these reservations is the subject-matter of section 16 of the Food Safety Act 1990.  This is an enabling Act to regulate the safety of food in Great Britain, covering a broad range of commercial activities relating to food.  Section 16 provides for regulations to be made which include powers to secure the fitness of food, hygiene conditions and practices in food premises and provision for imposing requirements or prohibitions on the composition, labelling and advertising of food.

There are also specific exceptions mentioned above in relation to:

(a)

the regulation of trade descriptions in relation to food; and

(b)

regulation specific to the advertising of food, tobacco and tobacco products.

Section C8: Product Standards, Safety and Liability
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves technical standards, safety and labelling of products, and product liability, subject to certain exceptions. It has been amended by S.I. 2000/3252.

General

This reservation covers the regulation and control of the standards of products which are put on the market or into service so as to observe and implement the relevant EC law, notably the European Single Market Harmonisation Directives which have as their purpose the smooth functioning of the single market by removing potential barriers to trade. Also reserved under this heading are product safety and liability and product labelling.  These matters too are reserved in order to ensure that a single market is maintained within the UK.

Exceptions from these reservations are made for food, agricultural produce, fish products and certain agricultural products in line with the general devolution of food standards, agriculture and fisheries.

Details of Provisions
Reservation

What is reserved are:

(a)

technical standards and requirements in relation to products in pursuance of an obligation under Community law.  This includes the imposition of specified requirements (both minimum and absolute) and technical standards relating to goods.  Examples of relevant EC laws include directives concerned with single market harmonisation and with the suitability of packaging for reuse or recycling;

(b)

the national accreditation body and the accreditation of bodies which certify or assess conformity to technical standards in relation to products or environmental management systems(4);

(c)

product safety and product liability; and

(d)

product labelling.

Exceptions

The following are excepted from the reserved matters:

(a)

food (which includes drink) and, in relation to food safety, materials which come into contact with food (e.g. packaging);

(b)

agricultural and horticultural produce;

(c)

fish and fish products; and

(d)

seeds, animal feeding stuffs, fertilisers and pesticides (including anything treated as if it were a pesticide by virtue of section 16(16) of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985)(5) .

These exceptions are necessary for the devolution of agriculture, fisheries and food.

Agency Arrangements

The Scotland Act 1998 (Agency Arrangements) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1512) specified certain functions of a Minister of the Crown in relation to the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 for the purpose of section 93 of the Scotland Act.

Section C9: Weights and Measures
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves weights and measures.

General

The law on weights and measures is concerned with establishing units and standards of measurement and with the regulation of trade in respect of the weighing and measuring of goods and, in particular circumstances, the quantities or manner in which they may be sold.  Article XVII of the Treaty of Union provided for common weights and measures to be used throughout the United Kingdom.

Details of Provisions

Legislative competence concerning units and standards of weight and measurement, and the regulation of trade so far as involving weighing, measuring and quantities is reserved.

Section C10: Telecommunications and Wireless Telegraphy
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves telecommunications and wireless telegraphy.  It also reserves internet services and electronic encryption.

General

Telecommunications includes telephone systems and all forms of data transmission conveyed through the agency of electric, magnetic, electro-magnetic, electro-chemical or electro-mechanical energy.  Operation of telecommunication systems is regulated by licensing powers of the Secretary of State and the Director General of Telecommunications under the Telecommunications Act 1984.

Wireless telegraphy is defined in legislation as emitting or receiving (without wires) electromagnetic energy of a frequency not exceeding 3 million megacycles per second. The Secretary of State has the power to make regulations concerning wireless telegraphy and to licence operators.  These powers extend to the use of the radio spectrum.  There is an overlap with Broadcasting which is regulated under separate legislation which is also reserved.

The reservation extends also to the subject-matter of a number of EC Directives and Regulations dealing with telecommunications and wireless telegraphy which use definitions which have a similar effect to those cited in UK legislation.  This includes the regulations concerned with electromagnetic disturbance which is in part concerned with the establishment and regulation of technical standards.  Technical standards of goods are also reserved.

Internet services are provided over computer systems linked by national and international telephone system but the services provided go beyond ordinary telecommunications.  The reservation extends to all such services provided by electronic means at a distance.

Electronic encryption covers the general use of encryption of communications or data in electronic form for the purposes of commercial confidentiality and authentication.

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The reservation covers all matters relating to telecommunications and wireless telegraphy as described above.  In particular this includes the subject-matter of the following legislation:

(a)

the Telecommunications Act 1984. This covers the regulatory and licensing regime for telecommunications systems as described above; and

(b)

the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 and the Marine etc. Broadcasting (offences) Act 1967.  These cover the regulatory and licensing regime for wireless telegraphy.  Part II of the 1949 Act regulates the prevention of interference.

The following are also reserved:

(a)

internet services; and

(b)

electronic encryption.

Exception

The subject-matter of Part III of the Police Act 1997 which sets out the circumstances in which the police may be authorised to interfere with property in order to carry out surveillance and other types of investigative work is excepted from the reservation.  This is consistent with the exception of the subject-matter of Part III of the 1997 Act from the reservation of National Security, Interception of Communications, Official Secrets and Terrorism - see Section B8.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750), as amended, with effect from 14 December 2000, by Article 4(3)(a) of S.I. 2000/3253

The Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 (c.54), section 5(1) (b).The function of the Secretary of State of authorising persons to use wireless telegraphy apparatus in order to obtain information as to the contents, sender or addressee of any message (whether sent by means of wireless telegraphy or not) and to disclose information about the same: but only so far as the function is exercisable for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime (within the meaning of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000) or of preventing disorder

S.I. 1999/1750 also transferred non-statutory functions in relation to the management of the radio spectrum, principally in connection with police, fire and local government civil defence activities.

Section C11: Posts
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the subject matter of the Postal Services Act 2000 (c.26) but there is excepted financial assistance for the provision of certain services provided from public post offices. This Section was substituted, with effect from 14 December 2000, by S.I. 2000/3252.

General

Previously, this Section reserved “the Post Office, posts (including postage stamps, postal orders and postal packets) and regulation of postal services”.  However, the Postal Services Act 2000 abolished the statutory monopoly enjoyed by the Post Office and provided for postal services to be provided by persons holding a licence from the Postal Services Commission.

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The reservation extends to the subject matter of the Postal Services Act 2000, subject to the exception mentioned below.

The interpretation part disapplies paragraph 5(1) of Part III of Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act (which provides that references to the subject matter of an enactment are to be construed as at 1 July 1999). It provides that the reference to the subject matter of the Postal Services Act 2000 is to be read as a reference to the subject matter of that Act as at the date when it received the Royal Assent (28 July 2000).

The Postal Services Act 2000 regulates the provision of postal services by means of licences from the Postal Services Commission and creates offences in relation to postal services ( e.g. providing postal services without a licence, interfering with mail etc). It reorganises, and provides for the dissolution of, the Post Office and establish public post offices top provide postal services (and other services) to the public. It also establishes a Consumer Council for Postal Services.

There is excepted from the reservation financial assistance for the provision of services (other than postal services and services relating to money or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices. The expressions “postal services” and “public post offices” have the same meaning as in the Postal Services Act 2000.

Section C12: Research Councils
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the Research Councils within the meaning of the Science and Technology Act 1965, including the funding of such Councils.  UK Research Councils will continue to provide funds for research in Scotland, on the present basis.

General

Research Councils are established by Royal Charter and are regulated under the 1965 Act.  The 1965 Act establishes certain Research Councils for purposes connected with scientific research e.g. the Natural Environment Research Council and the Medical Research Council.  Apart from the Research Councils already established by Royal Charter and named in the 1965 Act, a body may be declared a Research Council for the purposes of the 1965 Act by means of an Order in Council.  The Research Councils covered by the 1965 Act deal with matters related to research and development in any of the sciences (including the social sciences) and technology.  The reservation extends to existing Research Councils or any others that may be established in the field of scientific research within the meaning of the 1965 Act.

The Scottish Parliament is able to legislate for the funding of research, including scientific research, generally and to establish bodies in Scotland to carry out, administer or fund such research.  The Scottish Parliament has legislative competence over the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council which grants funds for research to higher education institutions.  This reservation simply precludes the Scottish Parliament from establishing Research

Councils within the meaning of the 1965 Act or exercising any direct control over such Councils.

Section 5 of the 1965 Act enables the Secretary of State to fund scientific research.  This power is used mainly, but not exclusively, to fund research through Research Councils.  It is written in terms of a general power to fund scientific research and so relates to more than is covered by this reservation.  Section 5 is reserved only as it relates to the Research Councils.  In all other respects powers under section 5, so far as they relate to matters that are not reserved, were transferred to the Scottish Ministers by virtue of section 53 of the Scotland Act.  However, since there are circumstances under which a UK Secretary of State or Minister may wish to fund research in Scotland other than through Research Councils, section 56(1)(d) provides that section 5 of the 1965 Act is a shared power.

Details of Provisions

The first reservation is of Research Councils within the meaning of the 1965 Act.  The reservation covers the establishment of and appointments to Research Councils, the functions, powers and duties of such bodies, and the provision of expenses and funds for distribution by them.

The subject-matter of section 5 of the Act is reserved so far as it relates to Research Councils.  This reservation reserves to United Kingdom Ministers the power to fund scientific research through the Research Councils.

Section C13: Designation of Assisted Areas
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the designation of assisted areas.  It does not reserve the matter of determining what financial assistance to industry might apply in such areas.

General

Assisted areas are those areas designated as development and intermediate areas under section 1 of the Industrial Development Act 1982.  This power to designate assisted areas is exercised by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry where for economic, social or other reasons of regional policy, additional measures to promote their economic development are considered appropriate.  The designation of such areas applies for the purposes of any other Act which refers to development or intermediate areas (e.g. the Derelict Land Act 1982) as well as for the purposes of the 1982 Act.

The Treaty of Rome prohibits state aids that are incompatible with the Common Market.  As part of its guidelines on this the European Commission require that particular areas eligible for differing levels of regional state aid should be agreed with the Commission.  As a result of the reservation of International and European relations in Part I, paragraph 7 of Schedule 5 negotiations on defining such areas throughout the UK will be a matter for the UK Government, who will, by virtue of this reservation, also be responsible for giving effect to the areas as approved by the Commission.

The 1982 Act also provides for the provision of financial assistance to industry both within assisted areas and more generally.  Financial assistance to industry is not reserved, subject to compliance with European Commission guidelines on state aids.  Under section 56(1), however, a Minister of the Crown will continue to be able to exercise powers to provide financial assistance to industry under the Industrial Development Act 1982 and other enactments.

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This Section reserves the subject-matter of section 1 of the Industrial Development Act 1982.  This provides for the Secretary of State to designate areas within Great Britain as assisted areas including the power to prescribe different categories of areas (such as development and intermediate areas) and to provide for preferential treatment of these categories.

Section C14: Industrial Development Advisory Board
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the Industrial Development Advisory Board.

General

The Industrial Development Advisory Board (IDAB) is a statutory body appointed under section 10 of the Industrial Development Act 1982 which advises the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry about the exercise of certain powers to provide financial assistance to industry. There is already a separate body, the Scottish Industrial Development Board (SIDAB) which is established under section 20 of the Scottish Development Agency Act 1975 to advise in this field.

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The Industrial Development Advisory Board is reserved.

Section C15: Protection of Trading and Economic Interests
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the protection of trading and economic interests.

General

The purpose of legislation on this subject is to protect individuals and businesses from the laws of other states where they purport to have effect outside the country where the laws are made.  Provisions under such legislation may prohibit certain actions in the UK in compliance with objectionable foreign laws.  For example, legislation may prevent the enforcement in the UK of foreign judgements or provide remedies in UK courts for persons adversely affected by the application abroad of objectionable foreign laws.

In addition, the protection of the UK’s economic interests from the actions of Governments or persons resident outside the UK is reserved.

Court procedure, judicial remedies and the reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgements generally is not reserved.

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This Section reserves the subject-matter of the following enactments:

(a)

section 2 of the Emergency Laws (Re‑enactments and Repeals) Act 1964.  This section gives the Treasury power to block the transfer of funds, gold or securities where that action is likely to be taken by a person or Government outside the UK to the detriment of the economic position of the UK.

(b)

part II of the Industry Act 1975.  This deals with powers relating to the transfer of control of important manufacturing undertakings and is intended to cover cases where it is undesirable on wider policy grounds for assets of wider national importance to fall into the hands of non-residents.  The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry can prohibit or restrict such change in control of manufacturing operations which appear to be of special importance to the United Kingdom or to any substantial part of the United Kingdom.

(c)

the Protection of Trading Interests Act 1980.  This Act sets out the main provisions concerning protection of trading or other business interests of persons in the UK from requirements, prohibitions or judgements imposed or made under the laws of other states.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Industry Act 1975 (c.68), Schedule 3, paragraph 24

The function of the Secretary of State in making rules in relation to Scottish proceedings of an Industry Act tribunal.

Section D1: Electricity
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity and the regulation of the electricity supply industry. Matters relating to the control of pollution are excepted.

General

This Section reserves the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity in Scotland. The subject-matter of the legislation governing privatisation of the electricity supply industry is also reserved.  This is in line with a general reservation of energy matters.

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Reservation

The reservation covers the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity. This would include the regulation of the electricity supply industry under Part I of the Electricity Act 1989.  That Part gives the Secretary of State and the Director General of Electricity Supply extensive powers to regulate the industry through a system of licensing of generation, transmission and supply, sets out the duties of public electricity suppliers, and imposes further controls for the protection of the public interest and the protection of consumers.

The reservation also covers the subject-matter of Part II of the 1989 Act, which deals with the re-organisation of the industry by privatisation.

Exception

The subject-matter of Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which makes provision for the control of pollution is excepted from the reservation.

Executive devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Electricity Act 1989 (c.29):

(a)

section 2(2)(b) and (3)(a);

Section 2(2)(b) - The function of the Secretary of State to determine that the area for which a consumers’ committee is appointed shall consist of the authorised areas of two or more public electricity suppliers.

Section 2(3)(a) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Director before appointment of the chairman of a consumers’ committee.

(b)

section 3;

The duties of the Secretary of State to exercise the functions assigned or transferred to him by Part I of the Act in the manner which he considers is best calculated to achieve certain ends, so far as relating to functions exercisable by the Scottish Ministers under this Order.

(c)

sections 32(1) and (9), 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39(1)(a) and 58:

Section 32(1) - The function of the Secretary of State after consultation with the Director and the suppliers concerned by order to require each public electricity supplier to make and produce evidence of arrangements for electricity to be available to the supplier from non-fossil fuel sources.

Section 32(9) - The function of the Secretary of State by regulations to provide that subsections (5) to (8) shall have effect in relation to certain types of generating station with modifications, and to provide that electricity generated outside the United Kingdom shall be treated as generated by a non-fossil fuel generating station in such circumstances and to such extent as prescribed.

Section 33 (1), (6) and (7) - The function of the Secretary of State by regulations to provide for imposition of a fossil fuel levy on public electricity suppliers and others, for collection of payments in respect of it and prescribe a person to collect them, and to provide for the making to such suppliers of payments out of the payments so collected and to make ancillary provisions; requirements as to the manner of exercise of the functions.

Section 34 - The function of the Secretary of State by order to vary the minimum capacity of generating stations to which the section applies; functions of the Secretary of State to give directions to persons operating generating stations as regards fuel stocks etc., and ancillary powers.

Section 35 - The functions of the Secretary of State to give a direction requiring a person authorised by licence to transmit electricity to give information or advice for purposes connected with section 34; and to give a direction requiring him to operate his system in a specified manner or to achieve specified objectives; requirement to lay directions before Parliament.

Section 36 - The function of the Secretary of State to consent to construction, extension or operation of a generating station; functions of the Secretary of State by order to vary the minimum capacity above which the requirement for consent applies and to grant exemptions to the requirement for consent.

Section 37 - The function of the Secretary of State to consent to an electric line being installed or kept installed above ground; function to prescribe by regulations cases where the requirement for consent does not apply.

Section 39(1)(a) - The functions of the Secretary of State to consent to regulations made by the Director prescribing standards of performance in electricity supply services to tariff customers in individual cases.

Section 58 - The function of the Secretary of State to give to persons licensed to transmit electricity directions to secure that neither that person nor any other person obtains unfair commercial advantage from possession of information; requirement upon the Secretary of State to publish a copy of directions; function of the Secretary of State to enforce compliance with such directions by civil proceedings.

(d)

section 60;

The function for regulations made by the Secretary of State to provide for certain matters.

(e)

section 61;

The powers to take certain proceedings concurrently, so far as enabling the Secretary of State to exercise his functions in the proceedings concurrently.

(f)

Schedule 3, Part I;

Schedule 3, paragraph 1 - The function of the Secretary of State to authorise a licence holder to purchase compulsorily land required for a purpose connected with his activities.

Schedule 3, paragraph 2(3) - The function of the Secretary of State by order to amend the period specified in paragraph 2(2)(b) (which relates to the Director’s duties in cases where his consent to a compulsory purchase order is required).

Schedule 3, paragraph 3(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to authorise a licence holder to purchase land compulsorily for the purpose of exchange of land.

(g)

Schedule 3, Part III, paragraphs 15, 16, 17 and 20, including paragraph 11 of the First Schedule to the Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947 (c.42) as applied by those provisions;

The function of the Secretary of State, under paragraph 11 of the First Schedule, Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947  as applied by Schedule 3 paragraphs 15, 16, 17 and 20, to certify certain matters, in which case special parliamentary procedure will not apply, and procedural requirements of that paragraph as so applied.

(h)

Schedule 4, paragraphs 6, 8, 9 and 10(4)(b);

Schedule 4, para 6(3), (4) & (5) - The function of the Secretary of State to grant necessary wayleaves, and ancillary powers and duties.

Schedule 4, para 8(4) & (5) - The functions of the Secretary of State in connection with temporary continuation of wayleaves.

Schedule 4, paragraph 9(5) and (6) - The function of the Secretary of State to make orders relating to felling and lopping of trees etc.

Schedule 4, paragraph 10(4)(b) - The function of the Secretary of State to consent to works for the purpose of ascertaining the nature of the subsoil.

(i)

Schedule 5;

All functions of the Secretary of State under Schedule 5 (water rights for hydro-electric generating stations in Scotland), including power by order to authorise persons to abstract and divert and use water, and ancillary powers and duties.

(j)

Schedule 8; and

All functions of the Secretary of State under Schedule 8 (consents under sections 36 and 37), including functions by regulations to make provision for determining fees and to provide for various procedural matters, and ancillary powers and duties.

(k)

Schedule 9, paragraphs 3 and 5.

Schedule 9, paragraph 3(2) and (3) - All functions of the Secretary of State in considering proposals under sections 36 or 37 to have regard to certain amenity considerations and to avoid, so far as possible, causing injuries to fisheries.

Schedule 9, paragraph 5 - The function and duties of the Secretary of State relating to the Fisheries Committee, Scotland.

The following functions have been made concurrently exercisable by a Minister of the Crown and the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The European Communities Act 1972 (c.68), section 2(2) and the European Communities (Designation) Order 1988 (S.I. 1988/785).

The function of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Treasury and any one or more Secretaries of State to make provision for the purposes specified in section 2(2) in relation to measures relating to the requirement for an assessment of the impact on the environment of projects likely to have significant effects on the environment, so far as relating to the subject matter of Part III (Electricity Applications) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1988 (S.I. 1988/1221, amended by S.I. 1990/526, 1994/2012).

The Electricity Act 1989 (c.29), section 98(1) and (2).

The function of the Secretary of State to serve a notice on a licence holder or exempted person requiring him to supply statistical information.

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Electricity Act 1989 (c.29), sections 5(1) and 6(1) and (2)

Section 5(1) - The functions of the Secretary of State after consultation with the Director by order to grant exemption from paragraph (a) or (c) of section 4(1) (which prohibits unlicensed generation or supply).

Section 6(1) - The functions of the Secretary of State after consultation with the Director to grant a licence authorising generation, transmission or supply of electricity, or to consent to the granting of such a licence by the Director, or to give general authority to the Director to grant such a licence.

Section 6(2) - The functions of the Secretary of State after consultation with the Director to grant a licence authorising any person to supply electricity to any premises specified or of a description specified in the licence, or to extend such a licence, or to consent to the Director doing these things, or to give general authority to the Director to do these things.

The following functions are included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) (No. 2) Order 2000(S.I. 2000/3253).

Electricity Act 1989  (c. 29) sections 32 and 32A(6)

Section 32 - The function of the Secretary of State, by order, to impose upon an electricity supplier a renewables obligation.

Section 32A - The function of the Secretary of State to include various matters in such an order.

Section D2: Oil and Gas
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves oil and gas and the regulation of the UK oil and gas industry, subject to certain exceptions.

General

Legislative competence to make provision regarding the oil and gas industry is reserved.  This covers all the UK Government’s current powers and functions in relation to the oil and gas industry, subject to express exceptions.  The manufacture of gas and the conveyance and shipping and supply of gas other than through pipes are not reserved.  Land based operations in support of off-shore exploration for, and exploitation of, oil and natural gas are also not reserved.  This overall reservation is in line with a general reservation of energy matters.

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Reservation

Competence to legislate about oil and gas is reserved.  The specific list of subjects included in the reservation indicates its scope in more detail.  The specific subjects listed are:

(a)

the ownership of, exploration for and exploitation of deposits of oil and natural gas. This covers the subject-matter of the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934 and related legislation, which vests ownership of oil and gas deposits in the Crown and provides for a system of licensing persons to explore for and exploit such deposits;

(b)

the subject-matter of section 1 of the Mineral Exploration and Investment Grants Act 1972 (contributions in connection with mineral exploration) so far as relating to exploration for oil and gas.   This covers the giving of financial assistance relating to exploration for oil and gas.  Financial assistance is generally a devolved matter except for financial assistance specifically in relation to a reserved commercial activity such as oil and gas exploration.  Financial assistance in respect of other types of mineral exploration is not reserved.  This power is also a “shared power” under section 56 which means that a UK Minister can also exercise this power in or as regards Scotland;

(c)

offshore installations and pipelines.  This covers generally the regulation of such installations and pipelines, including the construction or laying and dismantling of them;

(d)

the subject-matter of the Pipe-lines Act 1962 (including section 5 (deemed planning permission)) so far as relating to pipelines within the meaning of section 65 of that Act.  The 1962 Act provides for authorisation of the laying of pipelines on land.  In practice it applies mainly to oil and gas pipelines, since section 65 excludes many types of pipe, including water and air pipes and sewers.  Section 5 of the Pipelines Act has been mentioned for the avoidance of doubt since deemed planning permission for other types of development is granted under planning legislation and is therefore not reserved;

(e)

the application of Scots law and the jurisdiction of the Scottish courts in relation to offshore activities. Part IV of the Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Act 1982 provides for the application in relation to oil and gas installations on the Continental Shelf of the civil and criminal laws of the different parts of the United Kingdom, and the jurisdiction of their courts;

(f)

pollution relating to oil and gas exploration and exploitation, but only outside controlled waters (within the meaning of the Control of Pollution Act 1974). This is the subject-matter of the Prevention of Oil Pollution Act 1971.  Pollution from ships, as opposed to installation and pipelines, is now governed by the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, which is also reserved.  Pollution in controlled waters - relevant territorial, coastal, inland and ground waters - is not reserved.  The marine environment apart from this reservation is generally not reserved;

(g)

the subject-matter of Part II of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 so far as relating to oil and gas exploration and exploitation, but only in relation to activities outside such controlled waters.  This is necessary to ensure that the reservation of matters relating to the oil and gas industry covers the regulation under the 1985 Act of activities in the sea, such as the deposit of substances or articles in the sea and incineration and flaring of gas, so far as those activities relate to oil and gas exploration and exploitation.  It ensures that the Ministerial powers under the 1985 Act to exempt from the licensing regime under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 “operational discharges” from oil and gas installations and, where compatible with international obligations and where safe to do so, to license the deposit in the sea of oil-related articles such as redundant oil installations are reserved to the UK Government.  “Marine dumping” not relating to oil and gas exploration and exploitation is not a reserved matter and to that extent the Scottish Ministers exercise the licensing powers under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 within Scottish waters and for operations commencing in Scotland;

(h)

restrictions on navigation, fishing and other activities in connection with offshore activities. Sections 3 to 7 of the Offshore Petroleum Development (Scotland) Act 1975 provide for the designation by the Secretary of State of sea areas within territorial waters where certain activities are restricted. Part III of the Petroleum Act 1987 provides for safety zones where navigation is restricted in the immediate vicinity of installations in territorial waters or the Continental Shelf;

(i)

liquefaction of natural gas.  This covers the subject-matter of section 9 of the Energy Act 1976, which regulates the liquefaction of natural gas; and

(j)

the conveyance, shipping and supply of gas through pipes. This covers the subject-matter of the Gas Acts 1986 and 1995, which regulate the industry of conveying, shipping and supplying gas through pipes.

Exceptions from Reservation

The following are excepted from the reservation:

(a)

the subject-matter of sections 10 to 12 of the Industry Act 1972 (credits and grants for construction of ships and offshore installations).  This makes it clear that the giving of financial assistance, in the form of credits and grants, for the construction of ships and offshore installations is not a reserved matter.  Paragraph 4 of Part III of Schedule 5 provides that the giving of financial assistance to industry for the purposes of promoting or sustaining economic development or employment is not a reserved matter.  This means that the Parliament can make provision of a general nature for assistance to industry including those which operate in reserved areas, but it does not have competence to legislate for such assistance specifically in relation to a reserved commercial activity such as oil and gas exploration.  Section 56 also provides for certain powers, including this one, relating to the giving of financial assistance to industry which are not reserved to be “shared powers”, so that a UK Minister can continue to exercise those powers in or as regards Scotland.  For example,  the power to give financial assistance in relation to mineral exploration (other than for oil and gas which is a reserved matter as explained above) is a shared power under section 56(1)(e);

(b)

the subject-matter of the Offshore Petroleum Development (Scotland) Act 1975, other than sections 3 to 7.  This ensures that the provision of financial assistance under the 1975 Act for onshore activities in support of offshore activities, for instance construction of installations, are not reserved.  This is in line with the fact that assistance to industry generally is not reserved;

(c)

the subject-matter of Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which makes provision for the control of pollution.

(d)

the manufacture of gas. The production of combustible gas other than natural gas is thus not reserved; and

(e)

the conveyance, shipping and supply of gas other than through pipes.

Executive devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Pipelines Act 1962 (c.58), sections 1, 4, 5, 9, 9A, 10, 11, 12, 13 (except subsection (7)), 15, 26A, 35, 36, 38, 39(2), 43 and 44 and Schedules 1 and 2 (except paragraph 8).

Sections 1, 4 & 5 - All functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” under the sections (control of construction of pipe-lines), so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

Sections 9, 9A & 10 - All functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” under the sections (avoidance of construction of superfluous pipe-lines), so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

Section 11 - All functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” under the section (compulsory acquisition of land for construction of pipe-lines), so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

Sections 12 & 13 - All functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” under the sections (compulsory acquisition of rights over land for construction of pipe-lines), so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

Section 15 - All functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” under the section (power to place pipe-lines in streets), so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

Section 26A - All functions of the Secretary of State under the section (availability of funds) so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

Sections 35, 36 & 38 - All functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” to receive notices under the sections (information), so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

Section 39(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to determine certain disputes, so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

Section 43 - All functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” under the section (preservation of amenity), so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

Section 44  - The duty of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” to have constant regard to the need of protecting certain water against pollution, so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

Schedule 1 - All functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” under the Schedule (applications for grant of pipe-line construction authorisation), so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

Schedule 2 - All functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” under the Schedule (applications for grant of compulsory purchase orders and compulsory rights orders), so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Offshore Petroleum Development (Scotland) Act 1975 (c.8), section 3.

The function of the Secretary of State by order to declare a part of the sea surrounding Scotland which is within United Kingdom waters to be designated area.

The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (c.48), sections 5, 6, 7 and 10(1) and Schedule 3.

Section 5 - The functions of the Secretary of State as licensing authority in relation to deposits of substances or articles in the sea or under the sea bed, the scuttling of vessels, loading with a view to such deposit and towing or propelling with a view to scuttling.

Section 6 - The functions of the Secretary of State as licensing authority in relation to incineration of substances or articles at sea or loading for that purpose.

Section 7 - The function of the Ministers of making orders to exempt operations from the requirement to be licensed.

Section 10(1) - The function of carrying out operations to protect the marine environment.

Schedule 3 - The functions of the Secretary of State as licensing authority of dealing with representations concerning the refusal to grant, the variation or revocation of, or the provisions contained in, a licence.

The Petroleum Act 1998 (c.17), sections 32(1), 33(1), 34(7), 35(1), 37(1) and 39(1).

Section 32(1) - The function of the Secretary of State of approving an abandonment programme.

Section 33(1) - The function of the Secretary of State of preparing his own abandonment programme.

Section 34(7) - The functions of the Secretary of State of determining whether a change to an abandonment programme shall be made and of giving notice of his determination.

Section 35(1) - The function of the Secretary of State of withdrawing approval for an abandonment programme.

Section 37(1) - The function of the Secretary of State of requiring remedial action to be taken where an abandonment programme has not been carried out or where a condition has not been complied with.

Section 39(1) - The function of the Secretary of State of making regulations relating to the abandonment of offshore installations and submarine pipelines.

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) (No. 2) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000/3253).

The Gas Act 1986 (c.44), section 9(3)(a) and Schedule 3, Parts I and IIIThe functions of the Secretary of State in relation to authorising the compulsory purchase of land by a public gas supplier so far as relating to pie-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.
The Public Gas Transporter Pipe-line Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/1672)The functions of the Secretary of State in connection with the making of an environmental determination in relation to pipe-line works proposed to be carried out by a public gas transporter so far as relating to pie-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.
The Pipe-line Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/1928)The functions of the Secretary of State to consider environmental impact before granting a pipe-line construction authorisation so far as relating to pipe-lines beginning and ending in Scotland.
Section D3: Coal
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves coal, including the regulation of the UK coal industry. The control of pollution and certain other matters are excepted.

General

General legislative and executive competence is reserved in relation to the UK coal industry, including the ownership of coal reserves, regulation of deep and opencast mining, subsidence, the provision of concessionary coal, and the residual responsibilities of British Coal. This overall reservation is in line with a general reservation of energy matters.

Parliamentary Consideration
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Details of Provisions
Reservation

The reservation covers all legislation relating to coal, including in particular ownership and exploitation, deep and opencast mining and subsidence.  Policy towards the UK coal industry continues to be dealt with on a UK basis by DTI Ministers, in consultation with the Scottish Ministers when appropriate.  Operational matters in relation to coal reserves and the issue of mining licences are for the Coal Authority, which is a GB body and which receives grant in aid from DTI.

Exceptions from Reservation

The exceptions to the reservation relate to the subject-matter of:

(a)

Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which makes provision for the control of pollution;

(b)

sections 53 and 54 of the Coal Industry Act 1994 which cover environmental duties in relation to planning approval and obligations to restore land affected by coal-mining operations.

Section D4: Nuclear Energy
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves nuclear energy and nuclear installations, including the regulation of the nuclear energy industry.  This does not include certain environmental responsibilities as they affect nuclear installations.

General

This Section reserves all matters relating to the production and use of nuclear energy and related research.  Certain administrative functions in relation to civil nuclear site licences and permits, certain functions regarding liability for nuclear incidents and cover for compensation, and inspection of nuclear sites, which were responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Scotland, are the subject of executive devolution to the Scottish Ministers.  Planning for emergencies at civil nuclear sites is also the responsibility of the Scottish Ministers, but is not governed by legislation.  The reservation is in line with a general reservation of energy matters.

For the avoidance of doubt the current duties of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in relation to the keeping and use of radioactive material other than at licensed nuclear sites, the disposal of radioactive waste and the regulation of non-nuclear activities at nuclear installations, are not reserved.

Parliamentary Consideration
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LC23-Jul-981138
Details of Provisions
Reservation

The reservation is of all matters relating to nuclear energy and nuclear installations, including nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards, and liability for nuclear occurrences.

The areas covered by the reservation include the development, production and use of nuclear energy, nuclear site licensing, nuclear safety, nuclear security, liability for nuclear occurrences and insurances in respect of such liability, nuclear safeguards required by international treaties, and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.

Exceptions

The subject-matter of:

(a)

Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990;

(b)

the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.

These enactments deal with the duties of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and (formerly) the Secretary of State for Scotland in relation to the keeping and use of radioactive material other than at licensed nuclear sites, the disposal of radioactive waste and the regulation of non-nuclear activities at nuclear installations.

Executive devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (c.57):

(a)

section 2;

The function of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” to grant permits, and ancillary powers.

(b)

sections 6 and 17(1) and (4);

The function of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” to maintain a list of licensed sites.

The functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” to certify certain matters relating to jurisdiction, shared liability and foreign judgements.

(c)

section 19(1), (3) and (4);

The functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” in relation to special cover for the licensee’s liability.

(d)

section 20; and

The functions of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” in relation to furnishing of information relating to the licensee’s cover.

(e)

section 23.

The function of the Secretary of State as “the Minister” to order registration of particulars of a person.

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (c.57), sections 1(1)(b) and (2), 16(1) and (1A), 18(1B), 21(1A) and (3) and 22(1) and (2), and in section 26(1) the definitions of “excepted matter” and “nuclear matter”.

Section 1(1)(b) - The function of the Secretary of State to prescribe a class or description of installation.

Section 16(1A) - The function of the Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury by order to increase or further increase either or both of the amounts specified in section 16(1) (limits on the aggregate amount of compensation).

The Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (c.57), sections 1(1)(b) and (2), 16(1) and (1A), 18(1B), 21(1A) and (3) and 22(1) and (2), and in section 26(1) the definitions of “excepted matter” and “nuclear matter” (contd.).

Section 18(1B) - The function of the Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury by order to increase or further increase the sum expressed in special drawing rights in section 18(1A).

Section 21(1A) - The function of the Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury by order to increase or further increase the sum expressed in special drawing rights in section 21(1).

Section 22(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to prescribe a class or description of occurrence.

Section 22(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to prescribe persons to whom an occurrence is to be reported.

Section 26(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to prescribe exemptions, and to prescribe other fissile material.

Residual Functions

The functions of the Secretary of State for Scotland under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 were transferred to the Secretary of State by the Transfer of Functions (Nuclear Installations) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/2786).

Section D5: Energy Conservation
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves certain matters relating to the use of energy.  This does not, however, preclude the Scottish Parliament from legislating about and/or promoting energy efficiency.

General

The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions promotes energy efficiency throughout the United Kingdom, and the Scottish Energy Efficiency Office acts on its behalf in Scotland.  The Energy Act 1976 allows measures for control and conservation of energy resources.  The reservation of this Act is not meant to prevent the Scottish Parliament from legislating for, or the Scottish Ministers promoting, the efficient use of energy by advice, encouragement, grants and loans.  The overall reservation of energy conservation is in line with a general reservation of energy matters.

Details of Provisions
Reservation

The reservation covers the subject-matter of the Energy Act 1976, other than section 9.

The 1976 Act enables the Secretary of State to make orders regulating or prohibiting the use of various fuels, or electricity, where that appears to him desirable for the purpose of conserving energy.  It also enables him to make orders regulating or prohibiting the production, supply or acquisition of these things while an Order in Council is in force.  When an Order in Council is in force the Secretary of State may also give directions to producers, suppliers and users.  An Order in Council may be made where the fuller powers it allows are needed to implement an international obligation or to deal with an actual or threatened emergency.  The Act also allows for exemptions from certain legal requirements while an Order in Council is in force.  The 1976 Act also enables the Secretary of State to give directions for conserving fuel stocks, and provides for other measures for controlling energy sources and promoting economy.

Section 9 of the 1976 Act covers the use and liquefaction of offshore natural gas and is reserved under the reservation of Oil and Gas at Section D2.

Exception

The exception allows the Scottish Parliament to legislate regarding encouragement of energy efficiency other than by prohibition or regulation.  This covers encouragement by advice, publicity, grants and loans, or other positive incentives.  The Scottish Ministers are, accordingly, responsible for such encouragement.

Section E1: Road Transport
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves certain matters relating to road traffic and transport.

Parliamentary Consideration
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Details of Provisions

In general, matters relating to road traffic and road transport are reserved where there is a need to ensure consistency of treatment and approach between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

The Scottish Parliament has competence to legislate about the promotion of road safety and about payments for hospital treatment of road traffic accident casualties.  Bus fuel duty rebate is also not a reserved matter, in line with other aspects of bus policy.

Reservation

This Section provides that the subject-matter of the following Acts are reserved matters:

(a)

the Motor Vehicles (International Circulation) Act 1952.  This Act deals with the issue of international driving permits and the recognition of foreign permits;

(b)

the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 and the Transport Act 1985, so far as relating to the system of public service vehicle operator licensing. The licensing system is administered by the Traffic Commissioner for the Scottish Traffic Area constituted under the 1981 Act;

(c)

sections 17 and 25 and Parts V and VI of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. These deal respectively with:

i.

what traffic can use special roads (which are defined in section 151 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and can include motorways);

ii.

the design, layout and operation of pedestrian crossings;

iii.

the regulation of traffic signs; and

iv.

speed limits.

(d)

the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. The Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 deals with the prosecution and punishment of offenders for a range of road traffic offences.  The Road Traffic Act 1988 covers a range of matters:

i.

road safety provisions (Part I), such as the main criminal offences relating to road safety. However, as indicated below, the Scottish Parliament has legislative competence in relation to the promotion of road safety;

ii.

construction and use of vehicles and equipment (Part II);

iii.

licensing of drivers of vehicles, including drivers of large goods vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles (Parts III and IV);

iv.

driving instruction (Part V). As the provision in the 1988 Act is about paid instruction in the driving of a motor car on a road, this reservation is supplemented by a general reservation for the regulation of the instruction of drivers of other types of motor vehicles;

v.

third party liabilities (Part VI) - the compulsory insurance of motor vehicles.

(e)

the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994.  This Act deals with the licensing and registration of vehicles;

(f)

the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995.  This Act deals with the revocation of driving licences during the licence-holder’s probationary period; and

(g)

the Goods Vehicle (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995.  This Act provides for the system of licensing of operators of goods vehicles. The licensing system is administered by the Traffic Commissioner for the Scottish Traffic Area constituted under the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981.

Various other matters are also reserved:

(a)

regulation of proper hours or periods of work by persons engaged in the carriage of passengers or goods by road;

(b)

the conditions under which international road transport services for passengers or goods may be undertaken; and

(c)

regulation of the instruction of drivers of motor vehicles.  As indicated above this provision supplements the reservation of the subject-matter of Part V of the Road Traffic Act 1988 which deals with instruction of motor car drivers to ensure that the reservation covers the paid instruction of drivers of all types of motor vehicles.

Exceptions

The subject-matter of:

(a)

sections 39 and 40 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (road safety information and training).  This means that the Scottish Parliament is able to legislate about matters concerned with the promotion of road safety by local authorities or other bodies and to subsidise bodies other than local authorities to give road safety advice and training. Both the Scottish Ministers and UK Government Ministers will have functions exercisable in or as regards Scotland in relation to the promotion of road safety.  This is because section 52(1)(h) of the Act gives them concurrent powers; and

(b)

sections 157 to 159 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (payment for treatment of traffic casualties).  The Scottish Parliament is able to legislate about payments for hospital treatment of road traffic accident casualties.  This is consistent with the devolution of other health matters. The National Health Service in Scotland, through Health Boards and NHS Trusts, can recover the costs incurred in treating road traffic casualties from insurance companies.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (c.27):

(a)

sections 14(1), (2), (3) and (5), 15(2), (3), (5), (6) and (7); and 16(2) and (2A);

Section 14(1) - The function of the Secretary of State as traffic authority by order to restrict or prohibit temporarily the use of a road, or any part of it, to such extent and subject to such conditions or exceptions as he may consider necessary.

Section 14(2) - The function of the Secretary of State as traffic authority by notice to restrict or prohibit temporarily the use of a road where it appears to him that the restriction or prohibition should come into force without delay.

Section 14(3) - The function of the Secretary of State as traffic authority, when considering the making of an order under section 14(1) or the issue of a notice under section 14(2), to have regard to the existence of alternative routes suitable for the traffic which will be affected by the order or notice.

Section 14(5) - The function of the Secretary of State as traffic authority to make provision in any order made or issued by him any such provision as is mentioned in subsection (4) as respects any alternative road for which he is the traffic authority or to consent to provisions as respects any alternative road for which he is the traffic authority in an order made by a different traffic authority.

Section 15(2) - The function of the Secretary of State as traffic authority, if he is satisfied, and it is stated in the order that he is satisfied, that the execution of the works in question will take longer than eighteen months, to disapply the time-limit of eighteen months; and in any such case to revoke the order as soon as the works are completed.

Section 15(3) - The function of the Secretary of State, where an order subject to the time-limit of eighteen months has not ceased to be in force, from time to time to direct that the order shall continue in force for a further period not exceeding 6 months from the date on which it would otherwise cease to be in force.

Section 15(5) - The function of the Secretary of State, at the request of an authority that has made an order subject to the time-limit of six months in subsection (1), from time to time to direct that the order shall continue in force for a further period from the date on which it would otherwise cease to be in force.

Section 15(6) - The function of the Secretary of State, where he refuses a request under subsection (5) in respect of an order, to consent to the making of a further order.

Section 15(7) - The function of the Secretary of State by regulations to alter the number of days for the time being specified in this subsection.

Section 16(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations with respect to the procedure to be followed in connection with the making of orders and the issue of notices under section 14 including provision for notifying the public of the exercise, or proposed exercise, of the powers conferred by that section and of the effect of orders and notices made or issued in the exercise of those powers, and all functions conferred on him by the Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Procedure Regulations 1992 SI 1992/1215.

Section 16(2A) - The function of the Secretary of State by regulations under subsection (2) to make, in relation to such orders as he thinks appropriate, provision:

(a)

for the making and consideration of objections to a proposed order; and

(b)

for any of the matters mentioned in paragraph 22(1) of Schedule 9.

(b)

section 17(2) and (5);

Section 17(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations with respect to the use of special roads but only to the extent that such regulations can apply to special roads specified in the regulations and not to special roads generally or to all special roads of a particular class.

Section 17(5) - The function of the Secretary of State as traffic authority to declare the date on which a special road or part of that road is open for use as a special road.

(c)

section 28(4)(a);

Section 28(4)(a) - The function of the Secretary of State to authorise the use by a school crossing patrol of signs of a description not prescribed by regulations.

(d)

section 64(1)(b) and (2);

Section 64(1)(b) and (2) -

(a)

The function of the Secretary of State to authorise any object or device so that it becomes a traffic sign within the meaning of subsection (1);

(b)

The function of the Secretary of State to authorise the size, colour and type of a traffic sign which is not prescribed.

(e)

section 65(1);

Section 65(1) - The function of the Secretary of State as Traffic Authority to cause or permit traffic signs to be placed on or near a road.

(f)

section 65(2) and (3A)(b)(ii);

Section 65(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to give directions (but not general directions) to a local traffic authority as to the placing, replacing or converting of a traffic sign of a prescribed type or authorised character.

Section 65(3A)(b)(ii) - The function of the Secretary of State to prescribe a body appearing to him to be representative of the interests of road users or any class of road users in relation to the placing of a temporary traffic sign.

(g)

sections 69(1), (2) and (3), 70(1), 71(1), 79(1), 82(1)(b), (2) and (3), 83(1) and 84(1), (1A) and (1B);

Section 69(1) - The function of the Secretary of State as traffic authority to give written notice requiring the removal of an object or device for the guidance or direction of persons using the road.

Section 69(2) - The function of the Secretary of State as traffic authority to effect the removal required in terms of subsection (1) in the event of default and to recover expenses incurred.

Section 69(3) - The function of the Secretary of State to give directions to a local traffic authority requiring the removal of any traffic sign or any object or device mentioned in subsection (1).

Section 70(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to be able to carry out work required to comply with any direction given under section 65(2) or section 69 and to recover the expenses incurred.

Section 71(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to be able to enter any land and exercise such powers as may be necessary for the purpose of placing, replacing, converting and removing traffic signs or generally for the purposes of the exercise of powers and duties under section 69.

Section 79(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to make advances towards expenses incurred by a council in the discharge of any obligations imposed on them by the relevant provisions of the Act in relation to the erection, maintenance, alteration or removal of traffic signs.

Section 82(1)(b) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations to specify a classification or type of road so as to make it a restricted road for the purposes of section 81.

Section 82(2) - The function of the Secretary of State as traffic authority to direct that a road which is a restricted road for the purposes of section 81 shall cease to be a restricted road or that a road which is not a restricted road for those purposes shall become a restricted road.

Section 82(3) - The function of the Secretary of State as traffic authority  to declare the date on which a special road or part of that road is open for use as a special road.

Section 83(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to make an order so as to give the direction under section 82(2).

Section 84(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to make an order as respects any road (except a special road) for which he is the traffic authority to prohibit the driving of motor vehicles at a speed exceeding that specified in the order either generally or during periods specified in the order or for the time being indicated by traffic signs in accordance with the order.

(h)

section 85(1) and (3);

Section 85(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to comply with the duty in relation to a road for which he is the traffic authority to erect and maintain traffic signs to secure that adequate guidance is given to drivers of motor vehicles as to the speed limit to be observed on that road.

Section 85(3) - The function of the Secretary of State to execute works in the event of default by the local traffic authority to erect, maintain, alter or remove traffic signs and to recover the expense incurred in doing so.

(i)

section 85(2); and

Section 85(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to give directions (but not general directions) for the purpose of securing that adequate guidance is given to drivers of motor vehicles as to whether any, and if so what, limit of speed is to be observed on any road.

(j)

Schedule 9, Part I, paragraphs 1, 3(1), 4, 7, 8 and 9, Part II, paragraphs 13, 15, 16(1) and (2) and 17 and Part III, paragraphs 21, 24 and 26(1) and (2).

Schedule 9, para 1 - The function of the Secretary of State to give a local authority a direction in relation to specified provisions of the Act.

Schedule 9, para 3(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to exercise the power to make an order under any of the provisions specified in paragraph 1 in addition to those powers still being capable of being exercised by the authorised authority.

Schedule 9, para 4 - The function of the Secretary of State to do anything to make effective any order which he has made under paragraph 3 and to recover from the authorised authority any expenses incurred by him in doing so.

Schedule 9, para 7 - The function of the Secretary of State to hold a public inquiry as necessary and to vary or revoke any order made or having effect as if made under or by virtue of any of the provisions of the Act referred to in paragraph 1.

Schedule 9, para 8 - The function of the Secretary of State before giving any direction under paragraph 2 or making any order under paragraph 7 to be satisfied that the duty under section 122(1) is not being satisfactorily discharged by the authorised authority and that the direction or order is necessary to secure compliance.

Schedule 9, para 9 - The function of the Secretary of State to be satisfied that there are special circumstances which make it expedient that an order under paragraph 7 should be made notwithstanding that he is not satisfied in terms of paragraph 8.

Schedule 9, para 13 - The function of the Secretary of State to consent to the inclusion of certain provisions in an order proposed to be made by a local authority under or by virtue of certain provisions of the Act.

Schedule 9, para 15 - The function of the Secretary of State to make an order adding or removing from the orders for which his consent is required by paragraph 13 certain other specified orders made by local authorities for specified purposes and specified circumstances.

Schedule 9, para 16(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to give his consent to an order either in the form submitted or with such modifications as he thinks fit.

Schedule 9, para 16(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to comply with a duty to take sufficient and reasonably practical steps to inform the local authority and other persons likely to be concerned where consent to an order is proposed to be given with modifications which appear to him substantially to affect the character of the order.

Schedule 9, para 17 - The function of the Secretary of State to make an order granting a general consent for the making of orders requiring that consent under this part of the Schedule.

Schedule 9, para 21 - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations for providing the procedure to be followed by a local authority in relation to the making of orders and any functions conferred on him by the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 S.I. 1999/614.

Schedule 9, para 24 - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations with respect to the procedure in connection with the making by him of any order made by virtue of paragraph 3 or made under paragraph 7 of Schedule 9 or of any order which he is authorised to make with respect to roads for which he is the traffic authority under any of the provisions referred to in paragraph 20(1) and any functions conferred on him by the Secretary of State’s Traffic Orders (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1987 S.I. 1987/2244.

Schedule 9, para 26(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to consider any objections made to an order under any of the provisions referred to in paragraph 20(1) of the Schedule before giving a direction under paragraph 2.

Schedule 9, para 26(2) - The function of the Secretary of State in complying with the duty to take such steps as appear to him to be sufficient and reasonably practical for informing any local authority and any other person likely to be concerned of any modifications which appear to him to affect substantially the character of the order.

The Transport Act 1985 (c.67):

(a)

section 19(7); and

Section 19(7) - The function of the Secretary of State to make an order designating bodies appearing to him to be eligible in accordance with subsection (8) for the purposes of the granting of permits for the use of a small bus in terms of subsection (3) for educational and other bodies; and to make provision for the issues referred to in paragraph (a) to (c) in subsection (7).

(b)

Schedule 4, paragraph 15.

Schedule 4, paragraph 15 - The function of the Secretary of State* of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on appointment of judicial members of the tribunal, retention of a judicial member beyond normal retirement age, removal of a judicial member, and the terms and conditions of service.

The Road Traffic Act 1988 (c.52), sections 13(2), 13A(1), 27(6) and 31(2).

Section 13(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations (generally or as regards any area, class or description of competition or trial or any particular competition or trial) to authorise or provide for authorising the holding on a public way of competitions or trials (other than races or trials of speed) involving the use of motor vehicles; and to impose conditions.

The Road Traffic Act 1988 (c.52), sections 13(2), 13A(1), 27(6) and 31(2).

Section 13A(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations to authorise a motoring event in a public place other than a road.

Section 27(6) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations prescribing the procedure to be followed in connection with the making of orders by a local authority dealing with the control of dogs on roads and requiring the publication in a prescribed manner of a notice of the making and effect of the order.

Section 31(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations to authorise or provide for authorising the holding on a public way (other than a bridle way) of races or trials of speed of any class or description or of a particular race or trial of speed involving cycles; and to impose conditions.

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (c.27):

(a)

section 17(2);

The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations with respect to the use of special roads but only to the extent that such regulations can apply to special roads specified in the regulations and not to special roads generally or to all special roads of a particular class.

(b)

section 25(1) and 64(1)(a);

Section 25(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations with respect to the precedence of vehicles and pedestrians respectively, and generally with respect to the movement of traffic (including pedestrians), at and in the vicinity of crossings.

Section 64(1)(a) - The function of the Ministers acting jointly to specify by regulations as a traffic sign an object or device for conveying to traffic on roads or any specified class of traffic, warnings, information, requirements, restrictions or prohibitions of any description.

(c)

section 65(1);

The function of the Secretary of State as Traffic Authority to cause or permit traffic signs to be placed on or near a road.

(d)

section 81(2);

Section 81(2) - The function of the Ministers acting jointly by order made by statutory instrument and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament, to increase or reduce the rate of speed which applies on a restricted road.

(e)

section 85(2)(a); and

The function of the Secretary of State to give general directions for the purpose of securing that adequate guidance is given to drivers of motor vehicles as to whether any, and if so what, limit of speed is to be observed on any road.

(f)

sections 86(2) and 88(1) and (4).

Section 86(2) - The function of the Secretary of State by regulations to vary the speed limits which apply to specified classes of traffic.

Section 88(1) and (4) - The function of the Secretary of State in the interests of safety or for the purpose of facilitating the movement of traffic, by order to set speed limits for a period not exceeding 18 months and of continuing such limits either indefinitely or for a specified period.

The Road Traffic Act 1988 (c.52), section 36(5).

The function of the Secretary of State for Scotland, acting with the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Wales, by regulations to specify any traffic sign, failure to comply with which carries the penalty of discretionary disqualification.

The Road Traffic Act 1988 (c.52), section 36(5).

The function of the Secretary of State for Scotland, acting with the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Wales, by regulations to specify any traffic sign, failure to comply with which carries the penalty of discretionary disqualification.

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000/1563).

The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (c.27), section 881)(a) and (4)

Section 88(1)(a) and (4) of the 1984 Act concern temporary speed limits.. Under section 88(1)(a), the Secretary of State can make an Order imposing a maximum speed limit, for periods up to 18 months, on:

  • all roads in an area specified in the Order;

  • all roads of a class specified in the Order; or

  • any particular road specified in the Order.

Under section 88(4) such Orders can be continued in force for further periods or indefinitely.  This Order transfers the functions under sections 88(1)(a) and (4) in respect of temporary speed limits but only in relation to making orders applying to specified roads.

Residual Functions

The functions of the Secretary of State for Scotland under sections 64, 65 and 81 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and section 36(5) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (regulations specifying objects or devices as traffic signs; directions as to the placing of traffic signs; orders to increase or reduce speed limit on restricted roads; specifying traffic signs for certain purposes of the 1988 Act) were transferred to the Secretary of State by the Transfer of Functions (Road Traffic) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/3143).

SECTIONS

Section E2: Rail Transport
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the provision and regulation of railway services, including rail safety, rail transport security, the subject-matter of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987 and the Railway Heritage Act 1996.  Certain matters are excepted.  This section was amended by S.I. 2000/3252.

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
CC31-Mar-981052
Details of Provision
Reservation

The provision and regulation of railway services is a reserved matter. This includes rail safety.  The interpretation provision at the end of the Section provides that railway services are those defined in section 82 of the Railways Act 1993 but excluding the wider meaning of railway given by section 81(2) of that Act.  This means that railway services for the purposes of the reservation include services in relation to the carriage of passengers (including luggage, parcels and mail) and of goods and services in relation to stations, maintenance facilities and the provision and operation of the rail network itself.  As the wider meaning of “railway” does not apply (“railway” having the meaning given by section 67(1) of the Transport and Works Act 1992), tramways and guided transport systems are not included, therefore the Scottish Parliament has legislative competence in regard to those matters.

The following are also reserved:

(a)

rail transport security;

(b)

the subject-matter of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987; and

(c)

the subject-matter of the Railway Heritage Act 1996 which provides powers to make a railway heritage scheme.

Exceptions

As amended by S.I. 2000/3252 there are four main exceptions from the reservation:

(a)

Grants so far as relating to railway services. However, certain grant provisions noted below continue to be reserved by way of exceptions to the general exception.  This means that the Scottish Parliament is able to legislate about capital and revenue grants for services relating to the carriage of passengers, stations, maintenance facilities and the rail network itself. Legislative and executive competence includes, without the need for express mention, powers in relation to special grants to local authorities under section 108A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and grants for public passenger transport services under section 56 of the Transport Act 1968, where the grants relate to railway services.

The matters which are not within this exception and thus continue to be reserved are:

i.

the subject-matter of section 63 of the Railways Act 1993. This section provides for government financial assistance where railway administration orders are made;

ii.

grants in relation to railway services as defined in section 82(1)(b) of the Railways Act 1993 (carriage of goods by railway); and

iii.

the subject-matter of section 136 of the Railways Act 1993. This section deals with compensation payable to a passenger service operator who is required to run a passenger service which would not be commercially viable in accordance with a public service obligation under Council Regulation (EEC) 1191/69 as amended.

(b)

Imposing requirements about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of rail services on Scottish public authorities with mixed functions relating to such services. The purpose of this exception which was added by S.I. 2000/3252, was to enable the Scottish Parliament to legislate in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 2) to empower the Scottish Ministers to require Scottish public authorities with mixed functions to produce joint transport strategies specifically covering the provision of rail services.

(c)

The transfer of functions of passenger transport executives or passenger transport authorities relating to the provision and regulation of rail services conferred by Part II of the Transport Act 1968(c.73) and sections 32 to 36 of the Railways Act 1993(c.43) to, and the allocation of such functions among, Scottish public authorities (other than cross-border public authorities and public authorities exercising functions solely in relation to reserved matters) which may be set up wholly or mainly to exercise functions relating to transport. The purpose of this exception, which was added by S.I. 2000/3252, was to enable the Scottish Parliament to legislate in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 2) to confer on, or allocate among, certain Scottish public authorities the same rail responsibilities as any other passenger transport executive. It does not, however, enable the Scottish Parliament to create new types of passenger transport executive rail functions.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been made concurrently exercisable by a Minister of the Crown and the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Railways Act 1993 (c.43):

(a)

section 74(1) and (3);

Section 74(1) - The function of receiving from the Rail Regulator his annual report on his activities during each financial year and the activities of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission during the same year so far as relating to references made to the Commission by the Regulator.

Section 74(3) - The function of the Secretary of State to comply with the duty to lay before Parliament a copy of every report made by the Rail Regulator  under section 74(1) and to arrange for publication of every such report.

(b)

section 75(1) and (2);

Section 75(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to receive from the Director of Passenger Rail Franchising his annual report of his activities during each financial year and the general performance of franchisees during that year in carrying out their functions under franchise agreements.

Section 75(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to comply with the duty to lay before each House of Parliament a copy of every report made to him by the Franchising Director under section 75(1) and to arrange for the publication of every such report.

(c)

section 76(6)(a);

The function of the Secretary of State to receive a report of the findings of the Central Rail Users’ Consultative Committee where it has investigated any matter.

(d)

section 79(1);

The function of the Secretary of State of receiving the annual report of the Central Rail Users Consultative Committee and the duty to lay a copy of those reports before each House of Parliament.

(e)

section 137; and

Section 137(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to enter into agreements with goods service operators for the making of payments in respect of track access charges.

Section 137(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to be satisfied that certain benefits are likely to result from the provision of services under an agreement.

Section 137(3) - The function of the Secretary of State for making payments under agreements entered into under this section shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament.

Section 137(4) - The definition of “goods service operator” and “track access charge”.

(f)

section 139(1), (2), (3), (5) and (6).

Section 139(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to make grants towards the provision of facilities for or in connection with the carriage of goods by railway or the loading or unloading of such goods.

Section 139(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to be satisfied as to the matters set out in paragraphs (a) to (c).

Section 139(3) - The function of the Secretary of State to take a view as to the nature and purpose of the expenditure to be grant aided.

Section 139(5) - The function of the Secretary of State to consider an application under that subsection and to require supporting evidence with respect to the matters set out in paragraphs (a) to (c).

Section 139(6) - The function of the Secretary of State to impose terms and conditions.

Section E3: Marine Transport
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves certain matters relating to international and UK shipping including marine safety and security, navigational rights, regulation of the British merchant fleet and all matters relating to the employment of seafarers.

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
CC31-Mar-981067
LC23-Jul-981141
LC23-Jul-981145
Details of Provisions
Reservation

In general, matters relating to marine transport are reserved where there is a need for consistent provision across the UK, for example in order to comply with international obligations or agreements (such as those relating to vessel safety or the employment of seafarers) or for practical reasons (e.g. regarding coastguards and lighthouses).

The Section provides that the subject-matter of the following Acts are reserved matters:

(a)

the Coastguard Act 1925.  This Act defines the activities and powers of HM Coastguard;

(b)

the Hovercraft Act 1968, except so far as relating to the regulation of noise and vibration caused by hovercraft. This is to ensure that matters relating to marine safety in relation to hovercraft are reserved;

(c)

the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971. This Act incorporates into UK law international agreements (the Hague-Visby rules) which set out the circumstances in which the carrier or the cargo owner are liable for the loss or damage of goods at sea;

(d)

section 2 of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 (prohibition on approaching dangerous wrecks). This deals with the designation of protected areas around dangerous wrecks;

(e)

the Merchant Shipping (Liner Conferences) Act 1982.  This Act makes provision for the exemption from normal competition regulations of ‘liner conferences’, i.e. cartels of deep sea container shipping operators concerned to prevent over-capacity and damaging price competition on certain specified routes.  The Act also incorporates into UK law the United Nations Convention on a Code of Conduct for Liner Conferences;

(f)

the Dangerous Vessels Act 1985. This deals with the powers of harbour masters and the Secretary of State in relation to dangerous vessels;

(g)

the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990, other than Part I (Aviation Security).  This Act covers matters of maritime security;

(h)

the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992.  This Act makes provision about bills of lading and deals with rights and liabilities under shipping contracts;

(i)

the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.  This Act deals with a wide range of marine matters.  It specifies what constitutes British ships, and deals with their registration.  It also deals with such matters as masters and seamen in seagoing ships, marine safety, fishing vessels, marine pollution from ships, liability for oil pollution from ships, lighthouses, salvage and wreck, and enforcement officers;

(j)

the Shipping and Trading Interests (Protection) Act 1995.  This Act gives powers in relation to measures to be taken in response to discriminatory foreign action against UK shipping and trade interests.  This reservation is consistent with the reservation of the general area of protection of trading interests (Section C15); and

(k)

sections 24 and 26 to 28 of the Merchant Shipping and Maritime Security Act 1997.  These sections make provision about wrecks, piracy and international maritime bodies.

The following matters are also reserved:

  • Navigational rights and freedoms.  These derive from international law.  Coastal states, such as the UK, have a duty not to impose requirements on foreign ships which would have the practical effect of denying or impairing these rights or freedoms.  Uniform treatment of passing shipping traffic all around the UK is necessary to ensure compliance with the UK’s international obligations.

  • Financial assistance for shipping services which start or finish or both outside Scotland.  With one exception about bulk freight services (noted below), the Scottish Parliament is not able to legislate about financial assistance to shipping services between Scotland and other parts of the UK or Europe since differing approaches might distort the market for shipping services.  The Scottish Parliament is, however, able to legislate about financial assistance to shipping services operating wholly within Scotland.

Exceptions

The following matters are excepted from the reservation:

  • Ports, harbours, piers and boatslips, except in relation to the matters reserved by virtue of paragraph (d), (f), (g) or (i).  The Scottish Parliament therefore has legislative competence over ports, harbours, piers and boatslips in Scotland.  The exception does not, however, extend to the reserved matters of maritime security and safety.

  • Regulation of works which may obstruct or endanger navigation.  This exception gives the Scottish Parliament legislative competence over the regulation of works which may obstruct or endanger the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms.  The general reservations relating to oil and gas (Section D2) and telecommunications (Section C10) mean, however, that consents for works related to those industries will be reserved matters.

  • The subject-matter of the Highlands and Islands Shipping Services Act 1960 in relation to financial assistance for bulk freight services.  The 1960 Act allows for financial assistance to shipping services serving the Highlands and Islands from any port of embarkation.  The exception allows the Scottish Parliament, to continue to subsidise bulk freight shipping services between the Highlands and Islands and locations outside Scotland which are necessary for the social and economic well-being of island communities.

Executive Devolution

The following functions were included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750), as amended by S.I. 2000/1563.

The Merchant Shipping (Formal Investigations) Rules 1985 (S.I. 1985/1001), rule 4(1)(7)

The function of the Secretary of State to appoint assessor

The Merchant Shipping (Section 63 inquiries) Rules 1997 ( S.I. 1997/347), rule 5(1)

The function of the Secretary of State to appoint assessor

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (c.48), sections 5, 6, 7 and 10(1) and Schedule 3.

Section 5 - The functions of the Secretary of State as licensing authority in relation to deposits of substances or articles in the sea or under the sea bed, the scuttling of vessels, loading with a view to such deposit and towing or propelling with a view to scuttling.

Section 6 - The functions of the Secretary of State as licensing authority in relation to incineration of substances or articles at sea or loading for that purpose.

Section 7 - The function of the Ministers of making orders to exempt operations from the requirement to be licensed.

Section 10(1) - The function of carrying out operations to protect the marine environment.

Schedule 3 - The functions of the Secretary of State as licensing authority of dealing with representations concerning the refusal to grant, the variation or revocation of, or the provisions contained in, a licence.

The Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c.21), section 10(2)(f).

The function of the Secretary of State, by regulation, to make provision for and in connection with the registration of a fishing vessel as British ships (section 10(2)(f), provide for regulations to be made with respect to (among other matters) the marking of ships registered or to be registered, including marks for identifying the port to which a fishing vessel is to be treated as belonging).

The Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General for Scotland continue to be Commissioners for the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Section E4: Air Transport
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the regulation of aviation and air transport (including air safety and security) and the arrangements for compensation and repatriation of passengers on an operator’s insolvency. It was amended by S.I. 2000/3252.

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
CC31-Mar-981067
Details of Provisions
Reservation

The regulation of aviation and air transport is a reserved matter.  That includes the subject-matter of the following Acts:

(a)-(c))

the Carriage by Air Act 1961;  the Carriage by Air (Supplementary Provisions) Act 1962;   the Carriage by Air and Road Act 1979 (so far as it relates to carriage by air).

These three Acts implement the provisions of the Warsaw Convention (as amended at the Hague and Montreal) which applies to all international carriage by aircraft of persons, baggage or cargo for reward;

(d)

the Civil Aviation Act 1982.  This Act deals with such matters as the constitution and functions of the Civil Aviation Authority, aerodromes, the regulation of civil aviation, aircraft and related matters;

(e)

the Aviation Security Act 1982.  This Act deals with offences against the safety of aircraft and the protection of aircraft, aerodromes and air navigation installations against acts of violence;

(f)

the Airports Act 1986.  This Act deals with the transfer of airport undertakings of local authorities, the regulation of the use of airports and the economic regulation of airports, the status of airport operators as statutory undertakers and related matters; and

(g)

sections 1 and 48 of the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990.  These sections relate to endangering safety at aerodromes and powers in relation to certain aircraft.

In addition, arrangements to compensate and repatriate passengers where an air transport operator becomes insolvent are reserved.  At present the non-statutory Air Travel Trust Fund, which operates in conjunction with the Air Travel Organisers’ Licence Scheme, provides funds for the repatriation and compensation of passengers where an air transport operator becomes insolvent.

Exceptions

The following exceptions from the reservation are made, as amended by S.I. 2000/3252:

(a)

The subject-matter of the following sections of the Civil Aviation Act 1982:

i.

section 25 (the power of the Secretary of State to provide aerodromes);

ii.

section 30 (the provision of aerodromes and facilities at aerodromes by local authorities);

iii.

section 31 (power to carry on ancillary business in connection with local authority aerodromes);

iv.

section 34 (financial assistance for certain aerodromes);

v.

section 35 (facilities for consultation at certain aerodromes);

vi.

section 36 (health controls at certain aerodromes); and

vii.

sections 41 to 43 and 50 (powers in relation to land) where land is to be or was acquired for airport development or expansion.

(b)

The subject-matter of Part II and sections 63, 64 and 66 of the Airports Act 1986. These relate to the transfer of airport undertakings of local authorities, airport bylaws, and functions of operators of designated airports in respect of abandoned vehicles.

(c)

The subject-matter of sections 59 and 60 (acquisition and disposal of land) of the Airports Act 1986 where land is to be or was acquired for the purpose of airport development or expansion; and

(d)

Imposing requirements about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services on Scottish public authorities with mixed functions relating to such services. The purpose of this exception which was added by S.I. 2000/3252, was to enable the Scottish Parliament to legislate in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 2) to empower the Scottish Ministers to require Scottish public authorities with mixed functions to produce joint transport strategies specifically covering the provision of air services.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Civil Aviation Act 1982 (c.16) sections 38(2), 42(1), 50(2), 78, 79(1), 80 and 88(10) and (11).

Section 38(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to make an order directing specified aerodrome authorities to fix charges for the use of an aerodrome by reference among other things to any fact or matter relevant to aircraft noise or the extent or nature of any inconvenience resulting from such noise; and in such order to give directions as to the manner in which charges are to be fixed.

Section 42(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to authorise the Civil Aviation Authority to acquire land compulsorily in Scotland.

Section 50(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to give written authorisation to any person to enter upon land to make a relevant survey where section 50 applies.

Section 78(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to publish a notice imposing a duty on an aircraft operator to comply with requirements specified in the notice so as to limit or mitigate the effect of noise and vibration connected with the taking off or landing of an aircraft at an aerodrome.

Section 78(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to take a view that requirements mentioned in subsection (1) have not been complied with, to afford to the aircraft operator an opportunity of making representations and to consider those representations and thereafter to give the person managing the aerodrome concerned a direction requiring that facilities for using the aerodrome are withheld to a specified extent from the aircraft operator.

Section 78(3) - The function of the Secretary of State, by publishing a notice, to prohibit specified aircraft from taking off or landing at an aerodrome, to specify the maximum number of occasions on which specified aircraft may take off or land and to determine the persons who are to be entitled to make the appropriate arrangements for aircraft of which they are the operators.

Section 78(4)(a) - The function of the Secretary of State, by notice, to specify the circumstances in which the take off or landing of an aircraft can be disregarded for the purposes of a notice under subsection (3).

Section 78(5)(a) - The function of the Secretary of State to comply with the duty to consult before making a determination in respect of an aerodrome in pursuance of subsection (3)(c).

The Civil Aviation Act 1982 (c.16) sections 38(2), 42(1), 50(2), 78, 79(1), 80 and 88(10) and (11) (contd.).

Section 78(5)(c) - The function of the Secretary of State to authorise any person to detain an aircraft where it appears to the Secretary of State that it is about to take off in contravention of any prohibition or restriction imposed in pursuance of subsection (3).

Section 78(5)(f) - The function of the Secretary of State, by notice to the person managing an aerodrome, to determine that a particular occasion or series of occasions on which aircraft take off or land at an aerodrome are to be disregarded for the purposes of a notice under subsection (3).

Section 78(6) - The function of the Secretary of State to give to a person managing a designated aerodrome appropriate directions so as to avoid, limit or mitigate the effect of noise and vibration connected with the take off or landing of an aircraft.

Section 78(7) - The function of the Secretary of State to apply for an order of the Court of Session under section 45(b) of the Court of Session Act 1988.

Section 78(8) - The function of the Secretary of State to make an order after consultation requiring a person managing a designated aerodrome to provide specified noise measuring equipment, to produce specified reports and to allow inspection of the equipment.

Section 78(8) - The function of the Secretary of State also under this subsection of receiving the specified reports and authorising any person to inspect noise measuring equipment.

Section 78(9) - The function of the Secretary of State to afford to a person upon whom a duty has been imposed by subsection (8) an opportunity to make representations with respect to any failure to perform that duty, to consider any such representations and thereafter to take appropriate steps to remedy the failure and to recover in court any expenses incurred by the Secretary of State.

Section 78(11) - The function of the Secretary of State after consultation to make an order repealing any provision of a local Act which he considers is unnecessary.

Section 78(12) - The function of the Secretary of State to consider what incidental or supplementary provisions may be appropriate in respect of any notice published in pursuance of subsections (1), (3) or (4) and the function also of varying or revoking an existing notice.

The Civil Aviation Act 1982 (c.16) sections 38(2), 42(1), 50(2), 78, 79(1), 80 and 88(10) and (11) (contd.).

Section 79(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to make a scheme requiring the person managing an aerodrome to make grants towards the insulation against noise of such classes of buildings as the Secretary of State thinks fit.

Section 80 - The function of the Secretary of State to designate an aerodrome for the purposes of sections 78 and 79.

Section 88(10) - The function of the Secretary of State to make an order designating an airport for the purposes of section 88.

Section 88(11) - The function of the Secretary of State after consultation to make an order repealing any enactment in a local Act which appears to him to be unnecessary.

The Airports Act 1986 (c.32), sections 37(5), 65(2) and (6) and 68(1).

Section 37(5) - The function of the Secretary of State after consultation to determine that an airport should cease to be subject to economic regulation under Part IV of the Act.

Section 65(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to make an order directing that the road traffic enactments (as defined in subsection (6)) shall have effect in relation to an airport subject to such modifications as appear to him necessary or expedient for the purposes set out in paragraphs (a) and (b).

Section 65(6) - The function of the Secretary of State to make an order designating an airport for the purposes of Section 65.

Section 68(1) - The function of the Secretary of State after consultation to make an order requiring an airport operator to provide  maintain and operate equipment for monitoring aircraft movement and to make specified reports and to permit an authorised

person to inspect the equipment.  In addition, the function of the Secretary of State under paragraph (b) to receive specified reports and to authorise any person to inspect equipment.

Section E5: Miscellaneous Transport Matters
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the transport of radioactive material, technical specifications for public passenger transport for disabled people, and regulation of the carriage of dangerous goods.

Details of Provisions
Reservation

This Section provides that the following are reserved matters:

(a)

Transport of radioactive material.  Radioactive material is defined by reference to section 1(1) of the Radioactive Material (Road Transport) Act 1991 as material having a specific activity in excess of 70 kilobecquerels per kilogram or any lesser specific activity specified in an order made by the Secretary of State.

(b)

Technical specifications for public passenger transport for disabled persons including the subject-matter of:

i.

section 125(7) and (8) of the Transport Act 1985 which together require the Secretary of State to consult the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee before issuing guidance as to measures with a view to making access to public transport services by road easier for disabled persons and making such transport better adapted to the needs of disabled people; and

ii.

Part V of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (public transport) which makes provision about standards of accessibility for the transport of disabled people by taxi, bus or train and sets out measures to require the adoption of such standards by the relevant operators;

(c)

Regulation of the carriage of dangerous goods.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c.45), section 20.

Section 20(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations to prescribe conditions which are to be imposed or not imposed by licensing authorities in relation to taxi and private hire car licences and driver licences but only in so far as necessary to implement in Scotland any relevant requirements of Part V of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Section 20(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations to prescribe types, sizes and designs of vehicles for the purposes of section 10(4) of the 1982 Act but only in so far as necessary to implement in Scotland any relevant requirements of Part V of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c.45), section 20.

Section 20(2A) - The function of the Secretary of State to consider what provisions may be necessary or expedient in regulations made under sub-section (1) or (2) in relation to the carrying in taxis of disabled persons and the function of prescribing such other categories of dog trained to assist disabled persons together with the function of prescribing kinds of disabilities in relation to such disabled persons.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c.50), section 33.

Section 33(2) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations to provide for the application of any taxi provision (as defined in sub-section (4)) in relation to certain vehicles or drivers.

Section 33(3) - The function of the Secretary of State to consider what modifications may be appropriate in the application of any taxi provision by regulations made under sub-section (2).

Section 33(4) - The function of the Secretary of State to make an order designating certain transport facilities forming part of any port, airport, railway station or bus station for the purposes of section 33.

Section F1: Social Security Schemes
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves social security matters.

General

The reservation describes social security not in terms of benefits for specific purposes but in terms of the power and responsibilities which underlie any type of social security provision as follows:

(a)

the establishment and financing from central or local government expenditure of general or specific schemes of assistance to or in respect of individuals by way of benefits (which includes pensions, allowances, grants or loans) for social security purposes;

(b)

requiring persons (such as employers or individuals or local authorities) to set up or administer schemes for social security purposes or to make contributions or payments towards them and to keep records and supply information in connection with all aspects of scheme administration, including verification of claims and investigating fraud; and

(c)

the establishment of a liability for a person to maintain himself or another for social security and child support purposes.

The reservation has been cast in this way to make allowance for changes over time in the exact scope and coverage of the UK-wide social security system, and the way in which benefits are delivered.  For example, in recent years some benefits previously provided directly by central government (such as sickness or maternity benefit) have been replaced by a structure of requirements on employers to make defined payments to their employees.  Similarly some new benefits (such as Disability Living Allowance) have been established.  The reservation, which needs to be read together with the definition of social security purposes in the interpretation paragraph, makes allowance for changes of this kind.

The provision of compensation for injury resulting from vaccination, as provided for by the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme, which are paid through the same channels as social security, is also reserved.

The current law on social security covers the following matters, some of which are given as examples in the illustrations paragraph (which is not intended to be exhaustive of all the matters covered by the reservation):

(a)

National Insurance contributions and contributory National Insurance benefits such as the state retirement pension.  The Secretary of State for Social Security has specific responsibility for the NI Fund;

(b)

other social security benefits of all kinds, including employment-related benefits (such as Job Seekers Allowance);

(c)

payments in respect of industrial accidents, injuries and diseases;

(d)

statutory sick pay and statutory maternity pay;

(e)

the liability to maintain oneself, a spouse and dependent children under 19, or any person in respect of whom an undertaking to maintain has been made under the Immigration Act 1971;

(f)

grants and loans for special needs payable through the Social Fund and the Independent Living Funds;

(g)

the administration of the social security and employment benefits system whether carried out by the Department of Social Security, other government departments or others;

(h)

decision-making and appeals arrangements;

(i)

the funding of resettlement provision for persons without a settled way of life under section 30 of the Jobseekers Act 1995;

(j)

payments under the vaccine damage payments scheme;

(k)

the recovery of benefits where compensation is paid in consequence of accident, injury or disease and the recovery of benefits from earnings, and deductions from benefits to meet an individual’s debts; and

(l)

public bodies whether tribunal, executive, advisory or regulatory dealing with these issues.

Section 110 provides the Secretary of State (for Social Security) the power to take account of the implications of varied Scottish rates of income tax (as may be provided for under Part IV of the Scotland Act) for social security, child support and pensions purposes and to determine whether a person is to be treated as a Scottish taxpayer and to specify what shall be treated as the Scottish rate of tax in any year of assessment.  The purpose of these provisions is primarily to ensure that benefit decisions can be made promptly without uncertainty over the appropriate tax rate to apply where tax is relevant to benefit entitlement.

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
CC31-Mar-981068
LC23-Jul-981070
LC23-Jul-981145
LR3-Nov-98200
LR3-Nov-98201
Details of Provisions
First Reservation

This reserves legislative competence in respect of schemes supported from central or local funds which provide assistance for social security purposes to or in respect of individuals by way of benefits.  This relates to social security benefits (such as retirement pension, income support or housing and council tax benefit) which are directly administered and funded by central or local government in whole or in part.  The reservation covers all aspects of the establishment, financing and administration of such benefits and activity connected with them (such as, decision-making and appeals and anti-fraud activity).  The Scottish Parliament does not have competence to set up or finance benefit schemes where these are for social security purposes (for example, by seeking to provide benefits for social security purposes to people who are not entitled to claim certain social security benefits), but the reservation does not prevent it from providing benefits or allowances for other purposes within its competence, for example education maintenance grants or fosterage allowances.  A non-exhaustive definition of social security purposes is in the interpretation paragraph.

Second Reservation

This reserves competence to require persons (including companies and authorities) to establish and administer schemes for social security purposes, to make payments to or in respect of those schemes and to keep records and supply information in connection with them.  The reservation is intended to cover activities to do with National Insurance, such as the requirement on individuals to pay and employers to collect National Insurance contributions; and to cover those types of social security provision which operate through requirements on employers or others to make payments in accordance with a regulatory framework (such as statutory sick pay and statutory maternity pay) rather than by direct central or local government delivery.  The funding of social security schemes and the requirement for others such as local authorities to provide them (e.g. housing and council tax benefit) is also reserved.

Social security legislation also imposes requirements on employers to make payments of a minimum amount of sick pay or maternity pay in prescribed circumstances.  This reservation also covers such arrangements.

Third Reservation

This reserves legislative competence over the circumstances in which a person is liable to maintain himself or another for the purposes of social security legislation and the Child Support Acts 1991 to 1995.  Social security legislation places a legal duty on an individual to maintain himself and his spouse and dependant children or any person in respect of whom he has given an undertaking to maintain under the Immigration Act 1971.  This requirement applies generally but it only becomes relevant when a person makes a claim to an income related social security benefit.  When this happens the Secretary of State may seek an order from the sheriff in Scotland for the recovery of the benefit from the liable person.  So far as the maintenance of a dependant child is concerned, that legislation is largely superseded by the Child Support Acts 1991 and 1995 (the subject-matter of which is separately reserved under Section F2).

Fourth reservation

This reserves the subject-matter of the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme. The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme provides for compensation for injury resulting from vaccination.  Vaccine damage payments are determined and paid through the same channels as social security.

Illustrations of reservation

The illustrations provide a non-exhaustive list of some of the types of matter falling within the reservation:

(a)

National Insurance.  This covers National Insurance contributions as well as contributory National Insurance benefits such as the state retirement pension;

(b)

Social Fund.  This covers grants and loans for special needs;

(c)

administration and funding of housing benefit and council tax benefit;

(d)

recovery of benefits paid because of accident, injury or disease from persons paying damages and deductions from benefits for the purpose of meeting an individual’s debts;

(e)

sharing information between government departments for the purposes of the enactments relating to social security; and

(f)

making decisions for the purposes of schemes mentioned in the reservation and appeals against such decisions.

Exceptions from reservation

This provides for the subject-matter of following enactments which might otherwise fall within the reservation, but which relate to devolved matters, to be excepted from the reservation:

(a)

Part II of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, which provides for the promotion of social welfare by local authorities.  This includes provision in exceptional circumstances for payments to persons in need and other social welfare services such as the provision of home-help and residential nursing accommodation;

(b)

section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, which relates to the provision of various welfare services by local authorities to persons resident in their area;

(c)

section 50 of the Children Act 1975, which gives local authorities the power to make payments towards maintenance for children;

(d)

section 15 of the Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990 (industrial injuries benefit), which deals with payments to persons undergoing training who have injured themselves at work; and

(e)

sections 22, 29 and 30 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, which provide for payments to be made or other assistance to be provided to children or their families.  Section 22 imposes a duty on local authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are in need by providing a range and level of services appropriate to their needs.  In exceptional circumstances cash payments can be made.  Section 29 imposes a duty on local authorities to assist young persons, who they formerly looked after, at school leaving age or subsequently through the provision of advice or other assistance including financial assistance.  Section 30 authorises local authorities to give financial assistance to such young persons to meet the cost of education and training.

Interpretation

For the purposes of the reservation, “benefits” includes pensions, allowances, grants, loans and any other form of financial assistance.  This ensures that all the various types of financial assistance provided as part of social security are covered.

Providing assistance for social security purposes to or in respect of individuals includes, among other things, providing assistance to or in respect of individuals:

(a)

who qualify by reason of old age, survivorship, disability, sickness, incapacity, injury, unemployment, maternity or the care of children or others needing care;

(b)

who qualify by reason of low income; or

(c)

in relation to their housing costs or liabilities for local taxes.  This includes all the main purposes of social security provision.  It also includes assistance in relation to housing costs or liabilities for local taxes, as described above.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c.5), sections 51(1), 52(3) and 189(10) and Schedule 2, paragraph 1(5).

The functions of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on appointments of the President or a chairman of tribunals and deputy Social Security Commissioners; on regulations under the Act generally; and on removal of Social Security Commissioners or the President or a chairman of tribunals.

The Social Security Act 1998 (c.14), sections 5(1) and 79(2), Schedule 1, paragraph 1(4) and Schedule 4, paragraph 8.

Section 5(1) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor  regarding appointment of a President of appeal tribunals.

Section 79(2) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor  regarding regulations with respect to proceeding before the Commissioners.

Schedule 1, paragraph 1(4) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor regarding removal of the President of appeal tribunals.

Schedule 4, paragraph 8 - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor regarding exercise of powers under paragraphs 1(2), 5(1) or 6 of Schedule 4.

The following functions have been made concurrently exercisable by a Minister of the Crown and the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c.5), paragraph 7(1)(b) of Schedule 2.

The function of the Secretary of State to pay allowances to persons attending proceedings under the Act.

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000/1563).

The Tax Credits Act 1999 (c.10) section 15

The function of the Secretary of State under section 15 of the Tax Credits Act 1999 to make regulations, so far as it is exercisable by him in or as regards Scotland, is to be exercisable by him only with the agreement of the Scottish Ministers. Section 15 provides for these regulations to put in place a scheme establishing a new category of persons whose charges for providing child care are to be taken into account for the purposes of eligibility for the childcare element of the Working Families Tax Credit and Disabled Persons Tax Credit.

The Tax Credits Act 1999 (c.10) section 15 (contd.).

The scheme is to provide that a person shall not fall within the new category unless he is approved by an accredited organisation in accordance with such criteria as may be determined by or under the scheme. The scheme is also to authorise the making of grants or loans to, and the charging of reasonable fees by, accredited organisations.

Section 15(3) enables the Secretary of State to accredit organisations who may approve childcare providers for the purposes of eligibility for the childcare element of the Working Families Tax Credit and Disabled Persons Tax Credit. S.I. 2000/1563 provides that the function of accrediting organisations is to be treated as exercisable in or as regards Scotland in so far as accreditation is for the purpose of the application of a scheme in relation to child care providers in Scotland.  The function is then executively devolved to the Scottish Ministers to that extent by article 3 and the Schedule.

S.I. 1999/1750 also transferred non-statutory functions in relation to the provision of premises and support staff for the purposes of carrying out the functions of the Social Security Commissioners.

Section F2: Child Support
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the subject-matter of the Child Support Acts 1991 and 1995.

General

The provisions of the Child Support Acts give the Secretary of State for Social Security a duty to determine whether there is a liability to pay maintenance in respect of a child not living with both parents, to require an application for maintenance to be made for the child (when benefit is claimed), to assess and collect any amounts due and to enforce payment.  In order to give effect to these responsibilities, the Secretary of State is given powers where necessary to establish or assume paternity.  The Acts limit the jurisdiction of the courts to make individual decisions on child maintenance in circumstances covered by the Acts. The Acts apply - and supersede Scots family law - where a person responsible for a child who is not living with both parents makes a claim to an income-related benefit and in certain other limited circumstances.  In Scotland the Acts also permit an application for maintenance by the child personally, if aged 12 or more.

The Scottish Parliament is, however, able to legislate on issues concerning the maintenance of dependent children, as part of Scots family law, in circumstances or cases which are not covered by the subject-matter of the Child Support Acts. For example, aliment is excepted from the reservation because it is that part of Scots private law which deals with the obligations of one person to pay maintenance in respect of children and others. The Parliament is not able to legislate, for instance, to remove or exempt child maintenance provision from the jurisdiction of the Acts. Nor can the Parliament establish different formulae for the calculation of maintenance for child support purposes under the Acts as they apply in Scotland. But the Parliament could for example establish general criteria for the presumption of paternity, since this is a matter about which the Child Support Act provisions rest on general civil law.

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
LR3-Nov-98201
Details of Provisions

The reservation refers to the subject-matter of the Child Support Acts 1991 and 1995.

Exception

The subject-matter of sections 1 to 7 of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985, which deal with aliment, is excepted from the reservation.  Without a specific exception it may have been doubtful whether or not aliment was a reserved matter.  Aliment, as explained above, is that part of Scots private law which deals with the obligations of one person to pay maintenance in respect of children and others.  Without the specific exception, the reservation of the Child Support Acts may have restricted unduly the Scottish Parliament’s competence to legislate in relation to the law on aliment because those Acts confer powers on the Secretary of State to collect the Scottish form of maintenance such as aliment, as well as child support maintenance.  However, the reservation of child support does not prevent the Scottish Parliament from having competence to legislate about aliment.

The interpretation section ensures that if section 30(2) of the Child Support Act 1991, which deals with the collection of payments other than child support maintenance, is not in force on the principal appointed day (1 July 1999), then it is nevertheless to be treated as if it were a part of the subject-matter of the 1991 Act and therefore a reserved matter. Section 30(2) was not in force on 1 July 1999.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Child Support Act 1991 (c.48):

(a)

sections 22(3), 24(9), 25(6) and 45(1) and (6) and Schedule 4, paragraph 7; and

Section 22(3) and Schedule 4 paragraph 7 - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on regulations with respect to proceedings before Child Support Commissioners and in respect of the exercise of functions under paragraphs 1(2), 4(1) or (2)(b) of Schedule 4.

Section 24(9) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on regulations under section 24(6) or (7).

Section 25(6) - The function of the Secretary of State of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor on regulations under section 25(2), (3) or (5).

The Child Support Act 1991 (c.48) (contd.):

Section 45(1) and (6) - The functions of the Secretary of State* to make orders sending specified appeals to courts rather than appeal tribunals and of being consulted by the Lord Chancellor as to the abolition of such tribunals.

(b)

Schedule 4, paragraph 2A.

The function of the Secretary of State to pay allowances to persons attending any proceedings before a Child Support Commissioner.

S.I. 1999/1750 also transferred non-statutory functions in relation to the provision of premises and support staff for the purposes of carrying out the functions of the Child Support Commissioners appointed under section 22 of the Child Support Act 1991.

Section F3: Occupational and Personal Pensions
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves occupational and personal pension schemes, including public service pension schemes.

General

This Section reserves matters relating to occupational and personal pensions including public service pensions.Most of the statutory provisions concerning occupational and personal pensions are contained in the Pension Schemes Act 1993 and Part I of the Pensions Act 1995. Section 1 of the 1993 Act provides definitions of “occupational pension scheme”, “personal pension scheme” and “public service pension scheme” which are applied with modifications here.  Section 126(1) makes clear that these definitions apply but as if the reference to employed earners in the definition of personal pension schemes were to any earners.

Occupational pensions are usually payable under trusts set up by an employer, or more rarely a group of employers, in respect of their employees.  The trust deed sets out the rules as to how the scheme is to operate, e.g. the rates of contributions and benefits, who is liable to pay the contributions and when and to whom benefits are payable.  Some employers operate a number of separate schemes, some a single scheme for all their employees, while others may provide a scheme for only certain of their employees e.g. by restricting pension arrangements to executives or salaried staff or to employees who have worked for the company for at least 2 years.  The occupational pension scheme will be administered by the trustees appointed under the trust deed in accordance with the rules as to the operation of the scheme.  The scheme rules must, however, comply with legislative requirements and can be overridden when a conflict arises.

Public service pension schemes are a particular category of occupational pension schemes.  They are generally established under legislation and cover a wide range of public service employees.  A definition of public service schemes is set out in section 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993.There is no statutory obligation on an employer in the United Kingdom to establish an occupational pension scheme or to participate in a scheme established for an industry in which he operates.  However, if an employer or group of employers sets up such a scheme then certain statutory requirements must be met.  These fall into three main headings:

(a)

requirements affecting the administration of schemes, and the duties of trustees and professional advisors;

(b)

financial management of schemes, including rules on investments, contributions and solvency, and the conditions under which schemes can contract out of the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme; and

(c)

the right of individual scheme members, including preservation of the pension rights of people leaving the scheme before pension age, the transfer of rights from one non-State pension scheme to another, the indexation of rights before and after pension age, requirements for the equal treatment of men and women and rules on the disclosure of information to scheme members.

In addition, most schemes seek to comply with conditions for tax approval, which determine whether the scheme can benefit from advantageous tax treatment, particularly in relation to income and corporation taxes.

Personal pension schemes are established by financial institutions, principally insurance companies. They are essentially contracts between individuals and pensions providers, though groupings of individual pensions may be administered together for convenience.  Contributions, which may also include contributions from an employer, are paid into the scheme and invested.  Personal pension schemes attract a range of tax concessions and their marketing is regulated under the Financial Services Act 1986.

Provision about pensions payable to any person is also reserved except in relation to former members (and office-holders) of the Scottish Parliament and Ministers.  Also excepted from the reservation is legislative competence in relation to allowing or requiring any devolved public body to provide for pensions for its members or staff.  In all these cases the provision made will be subject to the general requirements of the Pensions Acts.

The reservation of matters relating to occupational and personal pensions interacts with areas of Scots private law which are being devolved, for example trust law and family law. In particular, so far as family law is concerned, Scots law has, since 1985, required pension rights accrued during the marriage to be taken into account by a court making financial provision on divorce.  The law relating to what financial provision is made on divorce and the question as to whether and to what extent pension rights are taken into account by the court will in general be a matter of Scots law within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.

However, although the Scottish Parliament has legislative competence over Scottish trust law and family law, its competence will be subject to the reservation in respect of pensions.  In particular, the obligations of the trustees or managers of occupational and personal pension schemes are a reserved matter.

Section 12A of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 (as amended by section 167 of the Pensions Act 1995) allows the court to order the trustees or managers of a pension scheme to pay the whole or part of a lump sum due to or in respect of a member to his or her divorcing spouse when it becomes due.  These are known as earmarking/attachment rules. Parts III and IV of, and Schedules 3 to 6 and part of Schedule 12 to, the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c.30) deal with pension sharing on divorce. They also amend the earmarking provisions in section 12A of the 1985 Act. Accordingly, although the Scottish Parliament can legislate, for example, to require pension rights accrued during the marriage to be taken into account on divorce, it could not legislate to impose obligations upon trustees or managers of occupational or personal pension schemes to earmark or make provision for pension sharing.

This effect is achieved partly by this reservation and partly by paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the Scotland Act, as amended by the Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedule 4) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000/1831). Paragraph 2(3),as so amended, ensures that the Scottish Parliament cannot modify the obligations of trustees or managers in relation to occupational or personal pension schemes or of persons  responsible for other pension arrangements in relation to the sharing of rights under pension arrangements on divorce. See that paragraph for more details.

Parliamentary Consideration
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LC23-Jul-981146
LC23-Jul-981147
LC23-Jul-981148
LR2-Nov-9811
Details of Provisions
First reservation

This provides that the regulation of occupational pension schemes and personal pension schemes, including the obligations of trustees and managers of pension schemes, is a reserved matter.

“Occupational pension scheme”, “personal pension scheme” and “public service pension scheme” are defined in section 126(1) as having the meanings given by section 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 but as if the reference to employed earners in the definition of personal pension schemes were to any earners.

Second reservation

This reserves provision about pensions payable to, or in respect of, any persons.  This covers matters such as the payment of pensions, the manner of provision and contribution in respect of pensions.  This is subject to an exception which permits the Scottish Parliament to make provision about pensions payable to or in respect of:

(a)

the persons referred to in section 81(3) of the Act. That section provides that the Parliament may make provision (whether by an ASP or a resolution) for the payment of pensions to ex- members and office-holders of the Parliament or of the Scottish Executive. The reservation should not prevent the Parliament making such provision; and

(b)

in a Scottish public authority with mixed functions or no reserved functions (as defined in Part III of Schedule 5), persons who are or have been a member of the public body, the holder of a public office or a member of the staff of the body, holder or office.  This would permit the Parliament, for example, when legislating to establish a new Scottish public authority, to require it to provide pensions for its members and staff. It also enables any ministerial functions in relation to the pensions of existing Scottish public authorities to transfer to the Scottish Ministers.

Third reservation

This reserves the subject-matter of the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971, which provides for index-linking of a wide range of public service pensions.

Fourth reservation

This reserves schemes for payment of pensions which are listed in Schedule 2 to the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971.  This includes pension schemes for local authorities, police, fire, teachers and the NHS.  Many of the functions in relation to these schemes have, however, been executively devolved to the Scottish Ministers. Two exceptions are made from the reservation of these schemes which tie in with the exceptions mentioned under the Second Reservation above.  These are for pensions schemes for MSPs and members of the Scottish Executive provided by the Parliament under section 81 and the pension schemes for employees of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which are the only Scottish non-departmental public bodies whose pensions are listed in the 1971 Act.

Fifth reservation

This reservation covers, as regards classes of persons to whom public service pension schemes apply, statutory provision for compensation for loss of office or employment, for loss or diminution of emoluments, or employment being affected by constitutional changes in an overseas territory, and also covers as regards these classes of persons statutory provision for death or injury benefit.  The reservation will accordingly cover the statutory compensation schemes which exist for public employees such as local government employees, teachers and NHS employees who lose their employment or suffer diminution of emoluments as a result, for instance, of redundancy or reorganisation.

Interpretation

Pensions are defined as including gratuities and allowances.

Executive Devolution

The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750) provides for widespread executive devolution in the area of public service pensions, reflecting the former responsibility of the Secretary of State for Scotland for such pensions.  The powers of the Secretary of State under the Superannuation Act 1972 to make regulations establishing and maintaining pension schemes for local government employees, teachers and NHS employees have been transferred to the Scottish Ministers, who thus have policy responsibility for the content of these schemes.  In the case of teachers and NHS employees the consent of the Treasury to the making of the regulations is still required as before.  The powers of the Secretary of State under the Fire Services Act 1947 and the Police Pensions Act 1976 to make subordinate legislation governing pensions of fire-fighters and police officers have similarly been transferred to the Scottish Ministers.  The power of the Secretary of State under section 24 of the Superannuation Act 1972 to make regulations providing for compensation for local government employees, teachers, NHS employees, fire-fighters and police officers have also been transferred to the Scottish Ministers, who thus have policy responsibility for such compensation. The function under section 4 of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act 1911 has also been transferred, as it is used in practice to provide for pensions. The function of paying remuneration to members of a Pensions Appeal Tribunal (para 2 of the Schedule to the Pensions Appeal Tribunals Act 1943) is also executively devolved.

Apart from these powers to make subordinate legislation, all executive powers of the Secretary of State under primary or subordinate legislation in respect of pensions or compensation for local government employees, teachers, NHS employees, fire-fighters or police officers and functions exercisable in respect of the Firemen’s Pension Scheme and the Police Pensions Appeal Tribunals have been transferred to the Scottish Ministers.

S.I. 1999/1750 also transferred non-statutory functions in relation to the provision of premises and support staff for the purposes of carrying out the functions of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal and of funding of payments made by a Pensions Appeal Tribunal under rules 26 to 28 of the Pensions Appeal Tribunals (Scotland) Rules 1981.

Section F4: War Pensions
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves war pensions.

General

The current law on war pensions is contained in a mixture of statute law and a variety of Orders made under the Royal Prerogative.  War pensions are payments made in respect of death or disablement of ex servicemen and a wide range of auxiliary, reserve and analogous personnel including in certain circumstances civilians.  Basic entitlement to a war pension arises where disablement or death of a member of the armed forces has occurred or arisen in consequence of service at any time since the First World War.  War pensions are distinct from state pensions paid from the National Insurance Fund (which are in any case reserved under Section F1 (Social Security Schemes)).  Service pensions for those in the armed forces, which are analogous to public service occupational pensions, are also distinct from war pensions, but these are reserved in any case under Section F3 (Occupational and Personal Pensions).  War pensions are paid by the Department of Social Security.

Schemes for the payment of war pensions also contain powers to make a variety of other payments.  For example, the Secretary of State has a discretionary power under Article 26 of the Naval, Military and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 1983 to meet necessary medical expenses arising from war disablement that are not otherwise provided for under UK legislation.

The reservation includes the provision and administration of such pensions, and the establishment and regulation of public bodies, including tribunals and advisory and executive bodies, with functions in connection with these matters.  Thus the establishment and functions of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, the Central Advisory Committee on War Pensions and the local War Pensions Committees are all reserved.

Details of Provisions
Reservation

The first part of the reservation reserves schemes for the payment of pensions, as defined, for or in respect of persons who have a disablement or who have died as a consequence of service as members of the armed forces of the Crown.

The second part of the reservation reserves the subject-matter of a number of particular schemes made under the following enactments which enable provision to be made, which is analogous to war pensions, in respect of persons other than ex-servicemen.  These are:

(a)

the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act 1939.  The 1939 Act makes provision for a scheme for making payments in respect of certain personal injuries to civil defence volunteers and civilians during World War II;

(b)

the Pensions (Navy, Army, Air Force and Mercantile Marine) Act 1939, sections 3 to 5 and 7.  Section 3 makes provision for the payment of awards to or in respect of mariners in British ships who have suffered war related injury or detention.  Section 4 makes similar provision for pilots, crews of pilot boats, lighthouses etc., section 5 for certain persons serving on naval ships and section 7 makes general provision for these schemes; and

(c)

the Polish Resettlement Act 1947.  The 1947 Act makes provision for war pensions and other payments and assistance to be given to Polish naval and armed forces under British command during the Second World War and Polish resettlement forces and their dependants.

Illustrations of reservation

The provision of pensions under the Naval, Military and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 1983 is given as an illustration of the scope of the reservation.  The 1983 Order provides the power for payment of a range of pensions, grants, allowances, supplements and gratuities in respect of persons disabled or who have died through service in HM Forces.

Interpretation

For the purposes of this Section, ‘pensions’ include grants, allowances, supplements and gratuities.  This encompasses all of the various means by which compensation in respect of war injuries is given.

Section G1: Architects
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the regulation of the profession of architect.

General

This is one of several reservations in Head G which covers the regulation of certain professions.

Details of Provisions

This reserves regulation of the profession of architect.  The matters reserved include professional qualifications, eligibility to practice as an architect, and control over the professional competence and conduct of architects.

Section G2: Health Professions
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the regulation of the health professions.

Parliamentary Consideration
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LR2-Nov-9811
CC31-Mar-981080
Details of Provisions
Reservation

This reserves the regulation of the health professions.  This includes professional qualifications, eligibility to practice and control over standards of professional competence and conduct.  This does not reserve matters such as the pay and conditions of service of the health professions within the National Health Service in Scotland or their deployment and management.

Health professions are defined for the purposes of this reservation in the interpretation paragraph as meaning the professions regulated by various enactments.  The professions regulated by the specified enactments include doctors, dentists, dental auxiliaries, opticians, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, health visitors, chiropodists, dieticians, physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientific officers, orthoptists, prosthetists and orthotists, arts therapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, osteopaths, chiropractors and veterinary surgeons.

Exceptions

There is excepted from the reservation, the subject matter of:

(a)

section 21 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.  This enables the Scottish Parliament to legislate about the matter of what vocational training and experience is required to be possessed by doctors before they can provide general medical services in the NHS.  This is a matter which is regulated by section 21 This exception is in line with the overall devolution of Health Service matters; and

(b)

section 25 of that Act.  Similarly, this section gives the Scottish Parliament legislative competence to regulate the provision of general dental services for the NHS so far as that relates to vocational training and disciplinary proceedings.  This is part of the subject-matter of section 25.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Medical Act 1983 (c.54), Schedule 4, paragraph 7.

The function of the Secretary of State of making rules as to the functions of assessors appointed to advise the Professional Conduct Committee, the Health Committee and the Preliminary Proceedings Committee.

The Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1997 (c.24):

(a)

section 19(5); and

The function of the Secretary of State* and the Lord Chancellor to approve, by order, rules under section 10 which apply to proceedings in Scotland.

(b)

Schedule 2, paragraph 4.

The function of the Secretary of State and the Lord Chancellor to make, by order, provision with regard to the functions of assessors  relative to proceedings in Scotland.

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000/1563).

The Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1997 (c.24).

Sections 5(2), (3), (5), (6), (7), (8) and (9), 6(1)(e), 17(1) and (3), 18(1) and (6) and 24(4).

All Ministerial functions under the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1997 in relation to the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland are transferred.  The functions concerned are:-

  • Section 5(2) and (3) - appointment of Chairman and members; specification of number of members of Board; forming an opinion of which qualifications/experience will be of value to the Board in relation to the appointment of members.

  • Section 5(5) and (6) - Payment of remuneration to members; providing for pensions, allowances etc.; Determining travelling and other allowances for chairman, members and persons appointed to committees.

  • Section 5(7), (8) and (9) - Specifying officers to be appointed by the Board; making “further provision with respect to the constitution and administration of the Board”, including provision for payments etc. to employees and for issuing directions to the Board in respect of its powers to appoint staff.

  • Section 6(1)(e) - Prescribing other functions relating to nurses, midwives or health visitors which are to be performed by the Board.

  • Section 17(1) and (3) - Approval for the Board to charge fees in respect of certain matters including training, qualification, examination and certification of nurses, midwives and health visitors; making grants to the Boards towards approved expenses.

  • Section 18(1) and (6) - Directing the Board to keep accounts and records in relation to the accounts; determining form of annual report, and time limit for Board to submit annual report on the performance of their functions; (see also article 8 of the Order)

  • Section 24(4) - Appointing a day for section 5(6) (Board to pay travelling and other allowances to chairman, members etc.) to cease to have effect.

Audit arrangements were also amended by article 8 of S.I. 2000/1563

Advice to The Queen

Special arrangements for giving advice to The Queen were described in a Prime Ministerial answer on 30 June 1999 (WA col 215) and an associated paper deposited in the House of Commons Library.

Under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960, the Privy Council makes a determination approving courses and qualifications for state registration purposes in the fields of professions supplementary to medicine. By convention the Secretary of State for Scotland was one of the three Privy Counsellors required by the Act to approve courses run by Scottish institutions. The role of the Secretary of State for Scotland in relation to such courses has passed to the First Minister.

The Secretary of State for Scotland also had a role in relation to nominating Privy Council appointments of Scottish representatives to various statutory bodies relating to the health professions, such as the General Medical Council, the General Dental Council and the General Optical Council. The First Minister has taken over the Secretary of State for Scotland’s role in nominating Privy Council appointments of Scottish representatives to these bodies. Advice and nominations for the other Privy Council appointments to these bodies comes from the Secretary of State for Health.  Administrative arrangements have been put in place to provide for consultation between the Scottish Ministers and the Secretary of State for Health before either party puts forward nominations to the Privy Council.

Section G3: Auditors
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the regulation of the profession of auditor.

Details of Provisions

The reservation covers regulation of the profession of auditor. The reserved matter includes in particular professional qualifications, eligibility to practice and control over standards of professional competence and conduct.

Section H1: Employment and Industrial Relations
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves employment rights and duties and industrial relations, except for the setting of wages for agricultural workers insofar as this is dealt with by the Agricultural Wages (Scotland) Act 1949.

Parliamentary Consideration
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Reservation

What are reserved are employment rights and duties and industrial relations, including the subject-matter of the following:

(a)

the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 which requires employers to insure against liability for injury or disease sustained by employees and arising out of and in the course of their employment;

(b)

the Employment Agencies Act 1973 which regulates employment agencies and employment businesses;

(c)

the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 which makes provision for lump sum payments to be paid by the State to or in respect of persons disabled by industrial lung diseases caused by various kinds of noxious dust at work;

(d)

the Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 which provide for the protection of employees’ rights on the transfer of an undertaking, such as the sale or disposal of a business;

(e)

the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. This Act covers a wide range of matters to do with trade unions and labour relations including such matters as employers’ associations, collective bargaining, procedures for handling redundancies, industrial action, and the role of ACAS, the Certification Officer, the Central Arbitration Committee and the Commissioner of Rights of Trade Union members;

(f)

the Industrial Tribunals Act 1996(8) which is about industrial tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal;

(g)

the Employment Rights Act 1996. This Act consolidates enactments about employment rights and covers matters such as protection of wages, suspension from work, rights to time off work and to notice, maternity rights, unfair dismissal, redundancy, and employees’ rights on the insolvency of an employer; and

(h)

the National Minimum Wage Act 1998. This Act provides for the setting of minimum wages in almost all sectors of employment.

Exception

The subject-matter of the Agricultural Wages (Scotland) Act 1949 is excepted from the reservation. This Act establishes the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board which has the power to fix minimum wages, holiday entitlements and other terms and conditions of employment for agricultural workers.  Apart from this exception about the wages of agricultural workers, matters relating to wages will fall within the reservation.  So, for example, the Scottish Parliament is not able to legislate to set a national minimum wage.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c.33), section 128.

The function of the Secretary of State of making regulations for the establishment, maintenance and operation of procedures for the determination of rates of pay and allowances to prison officers in Scotland and such other terms and conditions of employment as the Secretary of State considers fall to be determined in association with the determination of rates of pay and allowances.

The Employment Tribunals Act 1996 (c.17), section 3.

The function of the Secretary of State* to provide, by order, that certain proceedings may be brought before an employment tribunal.

The Employment Rights Act 1996 (c.18), section 63A(1)(c) and (2)

The functions of the Secretary of State to prescribe a standard of achievement and specify qualification awarding bodies for the purpose of an employee’s who ordinarily work in Scotland.

Section H2: Health and Safety
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves health and safety at work. It was largely replaced by article 6 of the Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedules 4 and 5) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1749).

General

This Section is part of Head H which reserves a number of matters relating to employment.

Details of Provisions
Reservation

The reserved matters are:

(a)

the subject-matter of Part I of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. That Part makes provision for the general purposes of securing the health, safety and welfare of persons at work, protecting persons other than persons at work against risks to health or safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work, and controlling the keeping and use of explosive or highly flammable or otherwise dangerous substances, and generally preventing the lawful acquisition, possession and use of such substances; and

(b)

the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Employment Medical Advisory Service (EMAS).  By virtue of paragraph 3 of Part III of Schedule 5, this has the effect of reserving the constitutions of these bodies, the conferral or removal of their functions, and the conferral or removal of any functions specifically exercisable in relation to them.  HSC and HSE are primarily concerned with matters which are reserved as part of the subject-matter of Part I of the 1974 Act.  However, they have certain functions which are exercisable in relation to matters which are not otherwise reserved.  For example, the Commission has powers to direct investigations into fires.  The reservation of the Commission by name has the effect of preventing the Scottish Parliament from modifying that function, but not from legislating about general fire safety.  EMAS is established by Part II of the 1974 Act.  It has functions of advising Ministers, the HSC, employers and employees on health in relation to employment.  The effect of its reservation by name is that the Scottish Parliament is not able to legislate about EMAS’s functions, but may, for example, legislate about promoting health in the work place.

Interpretation

The interpretation provisions provide that:

(a)

the expressions “work” and “at work” in Part I of the 1974 Act are to be taken to have the meanings they have on the principal appointed day (1 July 1999). This is consistent with paragraph 5(1) of Part III of Schedule 5 which provides that references to the subject matter of an enactment are to be read as references to the subject matter of that enactment as it has effect on the principal appointed day. However the subject-matter of Part I of the 1974 Act is not fixed because it includes a power for the Secretary of State to extend the definition of “work” for the purposes of health and safety regulations. This interpretation provision ensures that this power cannot be used to extend the scope of the reservation beyond that which it had on the principal appointed day; and

(b)

the subject matter of Part I of the 1974 Act includes certain specified aspects of fire safety but not any other aspects of fire safety.  Those specified aspects are those which are, in practice, regulated under health and safety legislation.

Agency arrangements

Article 6(2) of S.I. 1999/1749 provides for certain references in section 13 of the 1974 Act to Ministers to include a reference to the Scottish Ministers.  This allows the HSC and the Scottish Ministers to make arrangements for the HSC to perform functions on behalf of the Scottish Ministers (provided that the Secretary of State considers that they can appropriately be performed by the HSC). In that section, “functions” does not include the making of regulations or legislative instruments.

Section H3: Job Search and Support
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the provision of advice and support to assist people to select, obtain and retain employment or to assist people to obtain suitable employees, including such assistance for disabled persons.  Excepted from the reservation is legislative competence in respect of training for employment.  Matters relating to careers services are also excepted from the reservation.

General

The intention behind this reservation is to reserve the matters for which the Employment Service is currently responsible under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 and the Employment and Training Act 1973.

Section 56(1)(g) provides for certain devolved functions under the 1973 Act to be shared powers so that the UK Ministers can continue after 1 July 1999 to provide, through the Employment Service, the kind of programmes of employment training assistance being provided by the Employment Service in Scotland prior to 1 July 1999.

Scottish Enterprise (SE) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) also have duties to assist people seeking work to obtain training for work which to some extent run parallel with the activities of the Employment Service. In order to allow the Scottish Parliament to have legislative competence over these activities of SE and HIE, and to accord with the general devolution of matters relating to economic development and training, training for employment is excepted from the reservation of the Employment and Training Act 1973.

The Scottish Parliament is able to legislate about careers guidance services.  Provision for these services is made in sections 8-10A of the Employment and Training Act 1973, as inserted by sections 45 and 46 of the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act 1993.  These sections confer a duty on the Secretary of State to secure the provision of careers services for school and certain college students and a power to arrange provision of such services for other persons.  The duty also extends to assisting such persons ceasing to undergo education to obtain appropriate employment, training or additional education.  That duty, so far as extends to Scotland, has transferred to the Scottish Ministers by virtue of section 53 of the Act.

Parliamentary Consideration
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Details of Provisions

This Section reserves the subject matter of:

(a)

the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944.  Under this Act the Secretary of State for Education and Employment through the Employment Service makes arrangements to facilitate disabled people to obtain employment or work on their own account and to train for such employment or work; and

(b)

the Employment and Training Act 1973, except so far as relating to training for employment.  The main provisions of this Act enable the Secretary of State to make arrangements for the purpose of assisting persons to select, obtain training for, obtain and retain employment or for the purposes of assisting persons to obtain suitable employees.  The subject-matter of the Act so far as relating to training for employment is not reserved.

Exceptions

There is also excepted from the reservation, the subject-matter of:

(a)

sections 8 to 10A of the Employment and Training Act 1973.  These sections concern the provision of careers guidance services, as indicated above; and

(b)

sections 2(3)(c) and 12 of Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990.  They deal with the provision of assistance by the provision of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to persons seeking to establish themselves as self-employed persons.  The net result of this part of the exception is that it ensures that matters relating to the activities of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to assist people to obtain training for employment and also assist people to establish their own businesses, are within the competence of the Scottish Parliament.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Employment and Training Act 1973 (c.50), section 2(3A).

The function of the Secretary of State to authorise or direct Scottish Enterprise or Highlands and Islands Enterprise to act on his behalf in making arrangements under section 2.

The Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990 (c.35), section 14A.

The functions of a Minister of the Crown to confer powers or impose duties on Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to do anything in connection with unemployment, training for employment or unemployment.

The Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c.30)

Section 60 of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 contains provisions for implementing Employment Zones. Prototype Employment Zones have been operating under earlier legislation.  The new powers in the Act enable schemes to be set up in designated areas where special benefit rules can apply.  In order to help participants back to work, the schemes allow them to anticipate funding for up to 6 months' worth of spending on training and jobsearch, combined with money equivalent to the payments they would normally receive from the jobseeker’s allowance.  The powers in the Act also enable the Secretary of State to provide a wider range of support for activities within the Zones which help people to get and keep work, including support for unemployed people who are seeking to become self-employed.

Section 60(5)(c)(i) enables the Secretary of State to make payments to persons providing facilities which are designed to assist claimants for jobseeker’s allowance to obtain sustainable employment.

S.I. 2000/1563 enables the Scottish Ministers to make payments under section 60(5)(c)(i), if they wish to do so, in so far as they consider that the facilities are capable of supporting training of persons for employment.  If that criterion is satisfied, the Scottish Ministers will be able to fund any eligible activity within an employment zone in Scotland.  This function is to be exercisable by the Scottish Ministers concurrently with the Secretary of State for Education and Employment.

Section J1: Abortion
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves matters relating to abortion.

General

In Scotland the law relating to abortion, both civil and criminal, is mostly common law, with the exception of the Abortion Act 1967 (as amended).  At common law in Scotland it is a crime to procure or attempt to procure an abortion.  Certain exceptions or defences were provided by the common law but these are now superseded by the 1967 Act which sets out the circumstances in which it is lawful, for the purposes of the law relating to abortion, to carry out an abortion.  The 1967 Act introduces in effect a similar regime for the whole of Great Britain.

The 1967 Act also makes provision for the approval of places where terminations of pregnancies may lawfully be carried out and for the making of regulations to require certification and notification of doctors opinions before a termination is carried out.

Attempts have been made to seek civil law remedies in Scotland to prevent abortions being carried out under the 1967 Act but these were unsuccessful.

Parliamentary Consideration
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Legislative competence relating to abortion is reserved.  This means that the Scottish Parliament cannot make statutory provisions to alter the criminal law relating to abortion in Scotland or provision in the Abortion Act 1967, such as to alter the circumstances in which an abortion may be lawfully carried out.  Subject to what is said below, it also could not legislate to modify any other provision, whether of the civil or criminal law, which relates to the matter of abortion.

The effect of sections 29(4) and 35 of the Act is that, while the Parliament could legislate to modify a provision of Scots private law (concerning, say, the date of acquisition of human personality, and its consequences, for the purposes of Scots private law) which affected abortion, it could only do so in order to achieve consistency in the application of Scots private law in relation to devolved and reserved matters; and if such a provision were adversely to affect the operation of the law as it applies to abortion the Secretary of State would have the power to intervene.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Abortion Act 1967 (c.87), sections 1(3) and 2.

Section 1(3) - The function of the Secretary of State to approve places where a termination of pregnancy may be carried out.

Section 2(1) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations to prescribe the arrangements for certifying of medical opinions; the related confidentiality provisions.

Section 2(2) - a requirement to notify terminations to the Chief Medical Officer in Scotland.

Section J2: Xenotransplantation
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves matters relating to xenotransplantation.

General

Xenotransplantation is the transplantation of viable organs or other tissues (e.g. bone or cells) from animals to humans, or the use of viable animal tissue extra-corporeally, perhaps as part of a medical device.

There is currently no legislation which specifically regulates xenotransplantation, but there are other statutory provisions which touch upon it.  For example, the welfare of animals which have been genetically modified for xenotransplantation purposes is covered by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.  The subject-matter of that Act, which regulates the use of animals for experimental or scientific purposes (including vivisection), is reserved by Section B7.  A non‑statutory body, the UK Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority (UKXIRA) exists to monitor and regulate developments in the xenotransplantation field.

The Scottish Parliament has legislative competence over the regulation of other types of transplantation, notably the removal and therapeutic use of human organs and tissues for the purposes of transplantation into other humans, and in dealing in such organs and tissues.

Parliamentary Consideration
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The whole area of xenotransplantation is reserved including the regulation of any activities connected with xenotransplantation.

Section J3: Embryology, Surrogacy and Genetics
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves surrogacy arrangements, human fertilisation and embryology and genetics.

General

Certain other matters in the health field which raise major ethical issues and/or which require expertise to be pooled at a United Kingdom level for them to be satisfactorily regulated (abortion, xenotransplantation) are also reserved.  With the exception of the matters which are reserved in this Head, the Scottish Parliament has legislative competence over matters of sexual behaviour, whether as a health or social issue, involving civil or criminal law.

Parliamentary Consideration
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First reservation

This reserves surrogacy arrangements, as defined by the Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985, including the subject-matter of the 1985 Act.

The 1985 Act defines surrogacy arrangements by reference to a ‘surrogate mother’ who is a woman who carries a child in pursuance of an arrangement made before she began to carry the child and made with a view to that child being handed over to, and the parental rights being exercised by, another person.  The arrangement is a surrogacy arrangement if, were a woman to whom the arrangement relates to carry a child in pursuance of it, she would be a surrogate mother.

The Act makes provision prohibiting third parties from initiating or negotiating any surrogacy arrangements on a commercial basis, receiving any payments from the surrogate mother or the person for whom she is carrying the child and advertising in connection with surrogacy arrangements.

The Act does not however deal with the legality under the common law of surrogacy arrangements.  It is not an offence in the criminal law of Scotland to enter into a surrogacy arrangement and it is not an offence under the common law or the 1985 Act for persons to enter into a private arrangement.  Section 36(1) of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 amended the 1985 Act to the effect that no surrogacy arrangement is enforceable and the 1990 Act also makes provision as to the parentage of children born as the result of surrogacy arrangements.

The Scottish Parliament is not able to legislate in respect of any matter relating to surrogacy arrangements within the meaning of the 1985 Act, including the legality of surrogacy arrangements for the purposes of the criminal law or the enforceability of any such arrangements for the purposes of the civil law nor will it be able to amend the provisions of the 1985 Act, except as permitted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 4.

Second reservation

This reserves the subject-matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 which deals principally with:

  • the regulation of the creation, keeping or using of human embryos or gametes outside the body;

  • the regulation or prohibition of any activities involving the creation, keeping or using of human embryos or gametes outside the body, including research and the provision of infertility treatment services; and

  • the definition of the parents of any child being or having been carried by a woman as the result of the placing in her of an embryo or of eggs and sperm or her artificial insemination.

The Act also established the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority which regulates research or treatment which involves the creation, keeping and using of human embryos outside the body, or the storage or donation of human eggs and sperm.

The 1990 Act also makes provision regarding the parentage of children born as a result of surrogacy arrangements and confers a power on the Courts to make an Order providing for a child born as a result of a surrogacy arrangement to be treated in law as the child of the couple who commissioned the surrogate mother to carry the child.  Whilst parentage is usually a matter for Scots private law, the Scottish Parliament is not able to make provision amending section 30 in relation to surrogacy arrangements or the other matters covered by the 1990 Act.

Third reservation

All matters relating to human genetics not already reserved by the reservation of the subject-matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 will be reserved.  This includes research, testing or treatment concerning the human genome or genetic disorders including gene therapy research and all matters relating to the social, ethical and economic consequences of human genetics, such as providing genetic tests for insurance or employment purposes or patenting genetic material.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (c.37), section 30(9).

The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations under section 30(9), as read with section 45 to provide (a) for any provision of the enactments about adoption to have effect with or without modifications in relation to orders under section 30 and applications for such orders as it has effect in relation to adoption, and applications for adoption orders, and (b) for references to adoption in any enactment to be read in the way specified in section 30(9).

These orders are considered to have effect similar to adoption orders.

Section J4: Medicines and Poisons
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves legislative competence over matters relating to the regulation and control of medicines (for both humans and animals), medicinal products, poisons and biological substances and the regulation of prices of medicines supplied to the National Health Service.

General

The reservation of the control and safety of medicines is intended to cover medicines for both human and animal use.

Parliamentary Consideration
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First reservation

This reserves the subject-matter of the following enactments:

(a)

The Medicines Act 1968. This regulates the manufacture, distribution and importation of medicines for human use, medicines for administration to animals and medicated animal feeding stuffs.  It establishes the Medicines Commission and provides for committees to be established to assist Ministers; those established include the Committee on Safety of Medicines and the Veterinary Products Committee.  The Commission and the Committees advise Ministers on matters under the Act and on other matters relating to medicinal products.  The 1968 Act also provides for the regulation of the sale and supply of medicinal products, the registration of pharmacies in the community and the conduct of these businesses, the advertising and promotion of sales of medicinal products, establishment of the British Pharmacopoeia and other compendia, and powers of enforcement.

(b)

The Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations etc.) Regulations 1994 and the Marketing Authorisations for Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1994.  These regulations govern the licensing of the marketing of medicines for human and veterinary use respectively.

(c)

The Poisons Act 1972.  This Act is concerned with the regulation of the sale and storage of non-medicinal poisons within Great Britain.  It makes provision for the categorisation of poisons and determination of the persons (either pharmacists only or pharmacists and others on a local authority list) who may sell different categories of non-medicinal poisons.  The Secretary of State determines how a poison is categorised for the purposes of the Act, acting on the recommendation of the Poisons Board. The 1972 Act also provides for inspection and enforcement to be carried out by the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

(d)

The Biological Standards Act 1975.  This Act provides for the establishment of the National Biological Standards Board whose main duties are to set standards for and to test the purity and potency of biological substances such as vaccines, antibodies, hormones and blood products.

Second reservation

This reserves the regulation of prices charged for medical supplies or medicinal products supplied for the purposes of the National Health Service in Scotland, which is the health service established under section 1 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.

The existing statutory powers to control the maximum prices to be charged for medical supplies and medicinal products required by the National Health Service in the National Health Service Act 1977 (for England and Wales) and the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (for Scotland) have never been used.  Instead there is a voluntary agreement made with the pharmaceutical industry known as the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (the PPRS) which is wider than the statutory powers.  The reservation of this matter is not therefore restricted to the subject-matter of the existing statutory provisions but is intended to cover the matter as regulated in the PPRS.

Under section 27 of the 1978 Act the Secretary of State for Scotland has a power to make regulations regarding the provision of pharmaceutical services.  As part of those regulations he sets a drug tariff which is used for the purposes of reimbursing pharmacists for the cost of supplying medicines.  The reservation of the regulation of prices charged for medicines supplied to the Health Service does not cover the regulation of provision of pharmaceutical services (including the drug tariff) except in respect of the price of supplying medicines by way of providing those services.

“Medical supplies” and “medicinal products” are defined by reference to section 49(3) of the National Health Service (Scotland) 1978 and section 130(1) of the Medicines Act 1968 respectively.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Pharmacy Act 1954 (c.61), Schedule 1C, paragraph 3(4)(b).

The function of the Secretary of State* to approve appointment of persons as chairman or deputy chairman of panel of persons eligible for membership of appeals tribunals.

The Medicines Act 1968 (c.67), section 109.

Section 109(1) and (2) - The function of the Secretary of State to enforce in Scotland, or to secure the enforcement in Scotland of, the provisions of the Act and of any regulation or orders made under it.

Section 109(3) - The function of the Secretary of State to make regulations providing for the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain to have a power to enforce any regulations made under Section 66 of the Act relating to medicinal products.

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Medicines Act 1968 (c.67), sections 2(2) and (4) and 4(5).

Section 2(2) and (4) - the function of appointing the members and chairman of the Medicines Commission.

Section 4(5) - the function of appointing members of committees.

Residual Functions

The functions of the Secretary of State for Scotland (as “Secretary of State concerned with health in Scotland” or as “Secretary of State concerned with agriculture in Scotland”) under the Medicines Act 1968, the Medicines Act 1971, the Marketing Authorisations for Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1994 and the Registration of Homeopathic Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1997, and the Poisons Act 1972 were transferred to the Secretary of State for Health, the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as appropriate, by the Transfer of Functions (Medicines and Poisons) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/3142).

Section J5: Welfare Foods
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves schemes for the distribution of welfare foods made under regulations under section 13 of the Social Security Act 1988.

General

Schemes for the distribution of welfare foods made by regulations under section 13 of the

Social Security Act 1988 provide nutritional supplements for expectant and breast-feeding mothers and children under the age of five.  This is done by providing, free or at a reduced rate, liquid cow’s milk, dried milk, vitamin tablets and vitamin drops.  Eligibility for this part of the scheme is dependent upon entitlement to certain income-related benefits and so is closely linked to social security schemes, which are reserved under Section F1.  There is also provision for children under the age of 5 years and in day care for two hours or more per day to receive, free of charge, liquid cow’s milk or dried milk, and other children aged 5 and over but under the age of 16 who are unable because of a physical or mental disability to attend school, to receive liquid cow’s milk.

Parliamentary Consideration
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This reservation ensures that the Scottish Parliament has no legislative competence to make provision about the matters which are or could be covered by welfare food schemes as described above.  The 1988 Act amends the law relating to social security in a number of ways; section 13 is only concerned with making provision for welfare food schemes.

Executive Devolution

The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750) transferred non-statutory functions in relation to the welfare foods scheme.

Agency Arrangements

The Scotland Act 1998 (Agency Arrangements) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1512) specified certain functions exercisable by the Scottish Ministers in relation to the welfare foods scheme for the purpose of section 93 of the Scotland Act.

Section K1: Broadcasting
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves broadcasting.  All regulatory responsibilities relating to television and radio broadcasting will be reserved including the functions of the regulatory bodies.  The functions and regulation of the BBC will also be a reserved matter.

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Reservation

The subject-matter of the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996 and the BBC, are reserved matters.

The regulatory framework for broadcasting is an important aspect of the single market in the UK.  The management of the airwaves and of competition in the independent television sector will therefore continue to be carried out on a UK-wide basis.

The Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996 broadly cover:

(a)

the Independent Television Commission and the Radio Authority, the regulation of the provision of television and sound programme services and related services, including provision by means of broadcasting, telecommunications systems, satellite or any other means, the issue of licences to independent television companies and control of the activities of licence holders;

(b)

the control of material in television and sound programmes and related services; and

(c)

the regulation of standards in the provision of such services including the functions of the Broadcasting Standards Commission.

The BBC operates under its Royal Charter, and is also subject to some of the provisions of the Broadcasting Acts.

The reservation does not prevent the Scottish Parliament from discussing broadcasting in Scotland.  It is able (without any special provision in the Act) to invite the BBC, the ITC and other broadcasting bodies to attend hearings of its committees and to discuss broadcasting priorities but it cannot require them to attend or give evidence.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Broadcasting Act 1990 (c.42), section 183.

The function of the Secretary of State to pay to the  Independent Television Commission for each financial year such amount as he may, with the approval of the Treasury, determine to be appropriate for the purposes of the section which is the financing of television and sound programmes in Gaelic out of the Gaelic Broadcasting Fund.

The following functions have been made concurrently exercisable by a Minister of the Crown and the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Broadcasting Act 1990 (c.42), Schedule 1, paragraph 15(1), Schedule 8, paragraph 15(1) and Schedule 19, paragraph 12(3).

Schedule 1, paragraph 15(1) - The functions of the Secretary of State:

(a)

of receiving from the Independent Television Commission a general report of their proceedings during each financial year; and

(b)

of laying copies of each such report before each House of Parliament.

Schedule 8, paragraph 15(1) - The functions of the Secretary of State:

(a)

of receiving from the Radio Authority a general report of their proceedings during each financial year; and

(b)

of laying copies of each such report before each House of Parliament.

Schedule 19, paragraph 12(3)

The functions of the Secretary of State of receiving the Gaelic Television Committee’s annual report and of laying a copy of the report before Parliament.

The Broadcasting Act 1996 (c.55), section 125(1).

The functions of the Secretary of State:

(a)

of receiving from the Broadcasting Standards Commission a report of their proceedings during each financial year; and

(b)

of laying copies of each such report before each House of Parliament.

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Broadcasting Act 1990(c.42):

(a)

section 1(2)(b), as read with paragraph 2(3) of Schedule 1;

Section 1(2)(b), as read with paragraph 2(3) of Schedule 1 - the function of the Secretary of State of appointing a member of the Independent Television Commission suited to make the interest of Scotland his special care.

(b)

section 83(2)(b), as read with paragraph 2(1A) of Schedule 8.

Section 83(2)(b) as read with paragraph 2(1A) of Schedule 8 - The function of the Secretary of State, in appointing members of the Radio Authority under section 83, to appoint a member who appears to him to be suited to make the interests of Scotland his special care.

The Broadcasting Act 1996 (c.55), section 106(2)(c), as read with paragraph 3(1A) of Schedule 3.

Section 106(2)(c), as read with paragraph 3(1A) of Schedule 3 - the function of the Secretary of State of appointing members of the Broadcasting Standards Commission, but only so far as relating to appointment of a member suited to make the interests of Scotland his special care.

Advice to The Queen

Special arrangements for giving advice to The Queen were described in a written answer by the Prime Minister on 30 June 1999 (WA col 215) and an associated paper deposited in the House of Commons Library.

The National Governor for Scotland of the BBC is appointed under the provisions of the Royal Charter. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport will consult the Scottish Ministers about the appointment of the National Governor for Scotland

Section K2: Public Lending Right
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the public lending right.

General

The Public Lending Right Scheme is a scheme for payments to authors in respect of copies of their books which are lent out to the public by public libraries.  Annual payments to authors are based on loans of their books in a sample of UK library authorities.  The scheme and the central fund provided by Parliament to pay for it are administered by a Registrar of Public Lending Right.

Details of Provisions
Reservation

Legislative competence in regard to the public lending right is reserved by reference to the subject-matter of the Public Lending Right Act 1979.  The 1979 Act establishes the framework for the scheme, the details of which are set out in rules made under sections 1 and 3 of the Act, and provides for the appointment of the Registrar of Public Lending Right.

Section K3: Government Indemnity Scheme
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the Government Scheme under which libraries, museums, art galleries and other bodies or person may be indemnified in respect of loss of or damage to works of art lent to other institutions, bodies or persons.

General

In order to encourage public access to works of art and other objects on loan, the Government encourages loans of works to museums, galleries, libraries etc. by relieving them of the cost of commercial insurance by undertaking to indemnify the lender for the loss of, or damage to, the object loaned.  This is known as the “Government Indemnity Scheme”, which is established under powers conferred on Ministers by the National Heritage Act 1980.

Details of Provisions

Legislative competence in respect of the subject-matter of sections 16 and 16A of the National Heritage Act 1980 is reserved.  Section 16 sets out the conditions under which Ministers may undertake to give indemnities and section 16A requires them to make reports to Parliament.

Section K4: Property Accepted in Satisfaction of Tax
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the acceptance of property and works of art in satisfaction of tax.

General

This Section concerns the ability of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue under the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 to accept land, books, works of art and certain other items in satisfaction of liability to inheritance tax or interest thereon.  That matter is reserved by the general reservation of fiscal matters, with certain exceptions, by Section A1.  The present Section reserves legislative competence in respect of the ability of Ministers to direct how the property accepted by the Inland Revenue should be disposed of, and to pay the Commissioners sums equal to the amounts of tax concerned.

Details of Provisions
Reservation

The subject-matter of the following is reserved:

(a)

section 8 of the National Heritage Act 1980, which covers Ministerial powers to pay the Commissioners of the Inland Revenue; and

(b)

section 9 of the same Act, which empowers Ministers to direct how the property accepted by the Inland Revenue should be disposed of.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The National Heritage Act 1980 (c.17), section 9(1) to (6), as read with section 9(8) and (9)(a), (b) and (c), and sections 16 and 16A.

Section 9:

(a)

The functions conferred on Secretary of State to direct the disposal of property accepted in satisfaction of tax, so far as concerns certain property in which there is a Scottish interest.

(b)

The function of the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament an annual statement giving particulars of any disposal or transfer made in pursuance of directions given under this section., so far as concerns any disposal or transfer of property in which there is a Scottish interest.

Section 16 - The functions of the Secretary of State (as “Minister” under the Act) to undertake to indemnify any institution, body or person for the loss of, or damage to, any object belonging to that institution, body or person while on loan to any other institution, body or person in Scotland falling within section 16(2).

(Note: the Secretary of State is the sole remaining Minister for the purposes of the 1980 Act by virtue of a Transfer of Functions Order - S.I. 1992/1311).

Section 16A - The function of the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament a report under section 16A(1) on undertakings given by him (and on outstanding contingent liabilities in respect of such undertakings) in respect of objects loaned to institutions, bodies or persons in Scotland.

The Inheritance Tax Act 1984 (c.51), section 230.

The function conferred on the Secretary of State to agree to the Commissioners’ accepting in satisfaction of tax or interest payable under section 233 any property to which section 230 applies, so far as relates to property in which there is a Scottish interest.

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The National Heritage Act 1980 (c.17), section 9(1) to (5), as read with section 9(8) and (9)(d).

The functions of the Secretary of State to direct the disposal of property accepted in satisfaction of tax, so far as concerns property which an institution in Scotland and an institution elsewhere have both expressed an interest in acquiring.

Section L1: Judicial Remuneration
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the determination of the salaries of certain senior judicial posts in Scotland.  The payment of judicial salaries, however, is a matter for the Scottish Ministers as are recommendations on judicial appointments.

General

This Section reserves only the determination of the level of the salaries of the holders of certain specified judicial posts in Scotland.  The responsibility for determining their level rests with the UK Government.  Payment of salaries is not covered by the reservation.  The Scottish Ministers are therefore responsible for paying the salaries, which are charged on the Scottish Consolidated Fund.  The determination of judicial pensions is a reserved matter as a consequence of the reservation of occupational and personal pensions at Section F3 and the UK Ministers will therefore retain their current statutory responsibilities for pensions in respect of the specified posts as well as others.

The reservation should be read with section 95 of the Act which provides for the appointment and dismissal of judges of the Court of Session.

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
CC31-Mar-981113
CC31-Mar-981114
LC27-Jul-981318
Details of Provisions
Reservation

This Section reserves the determination of the salaries of the following:

(a)

Judges of the Court of Session.  This covers all the judges of the Court of Session including the Lord President of the Court of Session and the Lord Justice Clerk.  The salaries of judges of the Court of Session are currently determined by the Secretary of State with the consent of the Treasury under section 9(1) of the Administration of Justice Act 1973.  The salaries were formerly charged on the UK Consolidated Fund.  This was modified by virtue of section 119(3) of the Scotland Act so that these salaries are charged on the Scottish Consolidated Fund, thus allowing them to be paid without requiring the prior annual approval of the Scottish Parliament. This maintains the previous position whereby they were paid without requiring Parliamentary approval;

(b)

Sheriffs Principal and Sheriffs. Again these salaries are determined by the Treasury under the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907.  They are now charged on the Scottish Consolidated Fund by virtue of section 119(3);

(c)

Members of the Lands Tribunal for Scotland.  These are determined by the Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury under the Lands Tribunal Act 1949, sections 2(6) and (9).  Paragraph 9 of Schedule 8 to the Act provides for the remuneration of members of the Lands Tribunal to be charged on the Scottish Consolidated Fund (prior to devolution they were paid out of monies provided by Parliament).  Travel and subsistence allowances for members of the Lands Tribunals for Scotland, which are also determined under section 2(6) of the 1949 Act, are not a reserved matter and are now determined by the Scottish Ministers; and

(d)

The Chairman of the Scottish Land Court.  Paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to the Scottish Land Court Act 1993 provides for the determination of the salary payable to the Chairman and members of the Land Court by the Treasury and for the salary to be paid out of the Consolidated Fund.  Only the salary of the Chairman of the Land Court is to be a reserved matter.  Accordingly, his salary continues to be determined by the Treasury while the salary payable to the other members is a devolved matter determined by the Scottish Ministers.  The salaries of both the Chairman and the other members are charged on and paid out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund by virtue of section 119(3).

Paragraph 5(a) of Schedule 4 to the Act prevents the Scottish Parliament from modifying the effect of section 119(3) in relation to any provision of an Act of Parliament relating to judicial salaries, namely  the effect of section 119(3) upon those provisions mentioned above which provide for the judicial salaries to be charged on the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

Section L2: Equal Opportunities
Purpose and Effect

The Section reserves equal opportunities, subject to certain exceptions.

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
CC31-Mar-981114
LC27-Jul-981322
LC27-Jul-981324
LR2-Nov-9811
Reservation

There is no current statutory definition of “equal opportunities”.  For the purposes of this reservation, the interpretation provision at the end of the Section states that “equal opportunities” means the prevention, elimination or regulation of discrimination between persons on grounds of sex or marital status, on racial grounds, or on grounds of disability, age, sexual orientation, language or social origin or of other personal attributes, including beliefs or opinions, such as religious beliefs or political opinions.

Current legislation makes provision in relation to the prevention or elimination of discrimination on grounds of sex, marital status, race or disability. There is no current domestic legislation dealing with discrimination on grounds such as age or sexual orientation. All these matters are, however, reserved.

The reservation refers to equal opportunities, including the subject-matter of:

(a)

the Equal Pay Act 1970.  This makes provision for the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sex in relation to the terms and conditions of employment, including pay;

(b)

the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.  This makes provision for the prevention or elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sex or marital status.  It covers sex discrimination against women, sex discrimination against men and also sex discrimination against transsexuals in relation to employment, training, education and the provision of goods, facilities, or services to the public or a sector of the public.  The Act established the Equal Opportunities Commission which is charged with working towards the elimination of discrimination, the promotion of equality of opportunity between men and women generally, and the enforcement of its provisions.  It is also required to keep under review the workings of the 1970 Act and the 1975 Act;

(c)

the Race Relations Act 1976.  This makes provision for the elimination of discrimination on racial grounds. It made provision in relation to administration and enforcement similar to that provided in relation to sex discrimination by the 1975 Act.  The 1976 Act also established the Commission for Racial Equality which has duties similar to those of the Equal Opportunities Commission; and

(d)

the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.  This makes provision for the elimination of discrimination against disabled persons in connection with employment and the provision of goods, facilities and services and the disposal or management of premises. Part V of this Act, the subject-matter of which is expressly reserved under Section E5, is about standards for public passenger transport of disabled people. The Act covers persons suffering either physical or mental disability.  The 1995 Act also established the National Disability Council which advised the Secretary of State on matters relevant to the elimination of discrimination against disabled persons. The NDC has now been replaced by the Disability Rights Commission, which was established by the Disability Rights Commission Act 1999.

The reservation of the subject matter of these enactments also includes the bodies established by them, namely the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Disability Rights Commission.  However, in view of the existence of the exceptions to the equal opportunities reservation, it may be questionable whether or to what extent the Scottish Parliament might have been able to legislate with respect to them, such a to confer functions upon them, Paragraph 3(2)(c) of Part III of Schedule 5 also provides that these 3 bodies are included among the “reserved bodies” for the purposes of paragraph 3(1) of Part III of Schedule 5. That paragraph makes it clear that the Scottish Parliament cannot legislate about the constitution of such bodies or to confer functions on it or functions which are specifically exercisable in relation to them.

Exceptions

The exceptions from the reservation mean that the Scottish Parliament has competence over:

(a)

The encouragement (other than by prohibition or regulation) of equal opportunities, and in particular of the observance of the equal opportunity requirements.  “Equal opportunity requirements” are defined in the interpretation section as the requirements of the law for the time being relating to equal opportunities so that it can expand to include any new categories of prohibited anti-discriminatory behaviour.  This allows the Parliament to exhort public authorities and others to adopt equal opportunity policies, and to allocate financial and other resources to the encouragement of equal opportunities; and

(b)

Imposing duties on:

i.

any office-holder in the Scottish Administration, or any Scottish public authority with mixed functions or no reserved functions, to make arrangements with a view to securing that the functions of the office-holder or authority are carried out with due regard to the need to meet the equal opportunity requirements; or

ii.

any cross-border public authority to make arrangements with a view to securing that its Scottish functions are carried out with due regard to the need to meet the equal opportunity requirements.

These exceptions from the reservation will allow the Scottish Parliament for example to develop schemes to secure better provision of services to groups who may be the subject of discrimination or to legislate to require certain public authorities and office-holders to have due regard to equal opportunity requirements. “Scottish functions” are defined in the interpretation paragraph as meaning functions which are exercisable in or as regards Scotland and which do not relate to reserved matters.

Executive Devolution

The following functions have been included in the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Race Relations Act 1976 (c.74), sections 19(5) and 57(5).

Section 19(5) - The function of the Secretary of State to cause a local inquiry to be held under section 67 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 into any matter arising form section 19(3) of the 1976 Act.

Section 57(5) - Where a person has given notice to the Secretary of State of a claim that he has been discriminated against in contravention of section 17 or 18 of the 1976 Act by a body to which section 19(1) of the Act applies, the function of the Secretary of State to give notice informing the claimant that the does not require further time to consider the matter.

The Education (Scotland) Act 1980 (c.44), section 70 as applied by the Race Relations Act 1976 (c.74), section 19(3).

Section 70 - The functions of the Secretary of State under section 70 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, as applied by section 19(3) of the 1976 Act, to enforce the duties imposed by sections 17, 18 and 19(1) of the 1976 Act on a body to which section 19(1) of the 1976 Act applies.

The following functions have been made exercisable by a Minister of the Crown subject to a requirement for agreement of or consultation with the Scottish Ministers by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1750).

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (c.65), section 53(1), as read with section 53(1A).

The function of the Secretary of State of appointing commissioners of the Equal Opportunities Commission, but only so far as relating to appointment of a commissioner with special knowledge of Scotland.

The Race Relations Act 1976 (c.74), section 43(1), as read with section 43(1A).

The function of the Secretary of State of appointing commissioners of the Commission for Racial Equality, but only so far as relating to appointment of a commissioner with special knowledge of Scotland.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c.50), paragraph 3(3), as read with paragraph 3(3A) of Schedule 5.

The function of the Secretary of State of appointing members of the National Disability Council, but only so far as relating to the appointment of a member with special knowledge of Scotland.

Section L3: Control of Weapons
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the control of weapons of mass destruction.

General

There are three existing enactments dealing with matters covered by this reservation: the Biological Weapons Act 1974, which prohibits the development, production, acquisition and possession of certain biological agents and toxins and of biological weapons; the Chemical Weapons Act 1996, which is concerned with the control of chemical weapons and certain toxic chemicals; and the Nuclear Explosions (Prohibition and Inspections) Act 1998.  Certain matters relating to firearms are also reserved.

Details of Provisions

This reserves the control of nuclear, biological, chemical and any other weapon of mass destruction, as distinct from other weapons, such as firearms.

Section L4: Ordnance Survey
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the Ordnance Survey.

General

The Ordnance Survey (OS) is the national mapping organisation for Great Britain and the Isle of Man.  The Ordnance Survey Department is currently responsible to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Details of Provisions

This reserves the subject-matter of the Ordnance Survey Act 1841, which confers functions on the Secretary of State in respect of the survey of Great Britain and the Isle of Man by virtue of which the OS Department prepares the OS maps.

Section L5: Time
Purpose and Effect

This Section reserves the establishment of timescales and time-zones, the calendar and other matters related to time.

General

The reservation covers certain matters relating to the determination of time and dates generally.  It does not, extend to the calculation of periods of time for the purposes of the civil law such as the expiry of obligations, or for any other purpose related to devolved matters.

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
CC31-Mar-981132
CC31-Mar-981133
LC27-Jul-981326
LR3-Nov-98242
L39-Nov-98580
Details of Provisions

The reservation covers the designation of the timescale and time zones used in the UK and matters related to them, such as Greenwich Mean Time or Co-ordinated Universal Time; the determination of units of time such as minutes, hours, days, months and years and the calendar generally; the determination of the date of Easter, such as, by the Easter Act 1928; and the determination of summer time, under the Summer Time Act 1972.

Exception from Reservation

There are two exceptions from this reservation:

(a)

the computation of periods of time for any purpose such as whether particular days are to be included when periods of time are calculated and determining when obligations expire or become unenforceable for the purposes of the civil law; and

(b)

the subject-matter of:

i.

section 1 of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.  The dates for bank holidays are determined under this section.  The Scottish Parliament is thus able to determine the dates of bank holidays in Scotland and also any public and local holidays in Scotland; and

ii.

the Term and Quarter Days (Scotland) Act 1990.  This sets out for Scotland the dates of term days, Whitsunday and Martinmas: 28 May and 28 November respectively, and the other quarter days, Candlemas and Lammas: 28 February and 28 August.  These days are used in various legal documents made under Scots law, such as leases, agreements and undertakings.

Advice to The Queen

Special arrangements for giving advice to The Queen were described in a Prime Ministerial answer on 30 June 1999 (WA col 215) and an associated paper deposited in the House of Commons Library. The Secretary of State for Scotland’s role in providing advice to the Privy Council on Proclamations by Her Majesty in Council under section 1 of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 altering statutory bank holidays in Scotland etc. has passed to the First Minister.

Section L6: Outer Space
Purpose and Effect

This reserves activities in outer space.

General

Under the Outer Space Act 1986 the Secretary of State is responsible for the granting of licences to any UK body or person intending to engage in activities in outer space.  This relates to the fact that the UK Government has potential liability under international law for damage caused through such activities.  The licensing of such activities, and all other matters relating to the regulation of such activities is reserved.

Parliamentary Consideration
StageDateColumn
LC27-Jul-981333
LR3-Nov-98247
Details of Provisions

The reservation extends to all matters related to the regulation of activities in outer space.  In addition the negotiation of international agreements relating to outer space would fall within the reservation of foreign affairs under Paragraph 7 of Part I of Schedule 5.

1

As amended by S.I. 1999/1749Back [1]

2

The entry relating to the 1985 Act was omitted  with effect from 14 December 2000 by  Article 4(3) of SI 2000/3253Back [2]

3

The words in brackets were added by Article 4 of SI 2000/3252.

4

This was added by Article 5 of SI 2000/3252.

5

The words in brackets were added by Article 4 of SI 2000/3252.

6

Section 32 was substituted by section 62 of the Utilities Act 2000 and section 32A was added by section 63 of the Utilities Act 2000(c.27). They will come into effect when section 62 or, as the case may be, section 63 is commenced.

7

This entry was omitted as from 16 June 2000 by Article 6 of S.I. 2000/1563.

8

This Act was renamed the Employment Tribunals Act 1996 by section 1 of the Employment Rights (Dispute Resolution) Act 1998.

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