Following the referendums held in 1997 and the subsequent legislation passed in 1998, the United Kingdom's constitutional structure was fundamentally altered by the creation of devolved administrations. When considering the specific authority transferred during the first elections held in 1999, which of the following accurately describes the legislative and fiscal distinction between the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales at that time?
- The Scottish Parliament was granted the power to pass primary legislation and vary income tax, whereas the National Assembly for Wales was initially granted only secondary legislative powers.Answer
- BThe National Assembly for Wales was granted full tax-varying powers and primary legislative authority, while the Scottish Parliament was limited to administrative and executive functions.
- CBoth the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales were granted identical primary legislative powers and the authority to vary income tax following the signing of the 1998 Belfast Agreement.
- DThe Good Friday Agreement established the Scottish Parliament in 1998 with primary legislative powers, while the Welsh Assembly was formed later in 2001 with tax-varying authority.
Answer
The Scottish Parliament was granted the power to pass primary legislation and vary income tax, whereas the National Assembly for Wales was initially granted only secondary legislative powers.
The 1999 devolution settlement was 'asymmetric,' meaning different powers were given to different nations. The Scottish Parliament was established with the authority to pass primary legislation on devolved matters and the specific power to vary income tax. In contrast, the National Assembly for Wales was initially established as an executive body with only secondary legislative powers and no authority to vary taxes.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Asymmetric Devolution (1999)
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