Member

Amendments 74C and 74D are particularly important as they clarify that any functions extended to the authority under this Bill remain, ultimately, the responsibility of the Minister. They seek to ensure that the functions conferred by Chapters 1 to 5 of Part 1 of the Bill are not “transferred” in a way that distances them from direct ministerial oversight but are instead “extended”, thereby preserving ministerial accountability for their exercise. This is a vital distinction: “transferred” implies a relinquishing of responsibility while “extended” makes it clear that, although the operational delivery may rest with the authority, the political and constitutional responsibility remains with the Minister.