The Secretary of State for Wales is responsible for ensuring the smooth working of the devolution settlement in Wales. He represents Welsh interests within the UK Government and represents the UK Government in Wales.
Since 1999, many decisions about Welsh affairs have been taken by the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff. The Assembly has the power to take decisions on a range of economic, educational, health, planning, transport and tourism issues in Wales. Other matters are decided by departments based in Whitehall.
The Secretary of State has the right to attend and speak at sessions of the National Assembly. He is voted the Welsh Budget by Parliament, which he must then pass on to the Assembly, apart from that which he needs run his own office.
He must also consult the Assembly on the Government’s legislative programme. He is also responsible for steering through Parliament legislation which concerns only Wales.
Here is a list of ministers who work for the Department.
Secretary of State for Wales and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
The Rt Hon Paul Murphy MP
Responsibilities:
- Overall strategic direction
- Assembly liaison
- Constitutional issues
- Government of Wales Act powers (including Assembly elections)
- Finance
- Europe
- Economic Development
- Public Appointments
- Environment
- Welsh Heritage
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
Huw Irranca-Davies MP
Responsibilities:
- Regional Development
- Social Services
- Housing
- Health
- Education and Training
- Transport
- Agriculture
- Information Age Government
- Local Government Crime Prevention
- Women’s issues and Green issues
Contact department
You can write to The Wales Office at:
Gwydyr House,
Whitehall,
London SW1A 2ER
Telephone: 020 7270 0534
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