Following devolution the Welsh Office became the Office for the Secretary of State for Wales. This is now part of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.
The Secretary of State for Wales, who is a member of the UK Cabinet, exercises the following functions:
Ensuring Welsh interests and needs are considered in policy formulation and consulting with the Assembly on forthcoming legislation
Ensuring the smooth running of devolution through membership of the joint Ministerial Committee that links the UK Government with Welsh Ministers
Responsibility for primary legislation on Wales, including Wales-only clauses of other Bills
Transfer of funds from the Treasury to the Assembly
Accountability to Westminster for Welsh issues; monthly oral question session
The Secretary of State is a non-voting ex officio member of the Assembly who can, and does, address plenary sessions from time to time.
