Devolution in Wales: “A process, not an event”
A briefing paper on the devolution settlement in Wales

This briefing outlines the remit and powers of the Committee of Privileges. It also provides brief details of matters referred to the Committee since 1979.
Committee of Privileges (333 KB , PDF)
The remit and powers of the Committee of Privileges are set out in Standing Order No 148A.
The Committee is appointed to “consider specific matters relating to privileges referred to it by the House”.
The Committee has the power to appoint sub-committees. Both the Committee and its sub-committees have the usual select committee powers “to send for persons, papers and records”; to sit while the House is adjourned and to appoint specialist advisers. Like the Committee on Standards, it has the explicit power to appoint legal advisers.
The Committee also has the power “to order the attendance of any Member before the committee and to require that specific documents or records in the possession of a Member relating to its inquiries be laid before the committee or any sub-committee”.
The Committee of Privileges currently has three matters before it.
The Committee of Privileges issued a call for evidence on the matter on 30 June 2022.
The Committee has published a set of frequently asked questions relating to its remit, process and this inquiry:
On 23 November 2022, the Speaker made a statement noting that correspondence regarding privileges matters should remain confidential. Mr Nicolson had written to the Speaker asking to make a complaint of a breach of privilege. After the Speaker declined the application, Mr Nicolson had given “a partial and biased account” of the Speaker’s reply. The Speaker said, in his statement, he was awaiting an apology from Mr Nicolson.
Committee of Privileges (333 KB , PDF)
A briefing paper on the devolution settlement in Wales
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