Devolution

Question 1

What is meant by the term ‘primary legislative power’ that can be applied to Scottish Parliament?

Answer 1

It means Scotland can make its own legislation (pass bills) regarding

• income tax (+-3p)
• stamp duty
• social policy
• education
• justice,police and prisons

Question 2

What did the 2012 Calman Commission allow Scottish Parliament to do?

Answer 2

Borrow money
Regulate drink driving limits
Regulate air weapons

Question 3

What did the Smith Commission 2015-16 and Scotland Act 2016 allow Scottish Parliament to do?

Answer 3

Control 36% of devolved expenditure rather than just 10% through:
Air passenger duty
Aggregates levy
License oil and gas prospects

Question 4

Which powers does the Welsh assembly not hold?

Answer 4

Justice and policing

Borrowing

Question 5

The Northern Ireland Assembly can legislate on ‘reserved matters’. Explain what this means.

Answer 5

Matters that are usually only dealt with by Westminster:
Financial services
Broadcasting
Consumer safety
Firearms

Question 6

What are reserved powers?

Answer 6

Powers devolved bodies do not hold but could be transferred in the future (e.g. prisons, civil defence)

Question 7

What are excepted powers?

Answer 7

Powers the devolved bodies do not hold but will never be transferred (e.g. international relations, parliamentary elections, defence)

Question 8

What are transferred powers?

Answer 8

Powers that have been devolved from Westminster to the devolved bodies