Detailed Commentary on Sections in Part 2 Ministers, staff, etc Section 63: Consultation about cross-border bodies
262.This section requires any Minister of the Crown who exercises certain functions in relation to relevant cross-border bodies (i.e. bodies which exercise functions, or carry on activities, of a public nature both in relation to Wales and elsewhere) to consult the Welsh Ministers before doing so. The functions in question are the appointment or removal of the body or the members or office-holders of the body (unless they are not concerned in functions in or with respect to Wales) and other functions which might affect Wales in relation to any matters as respects which the Welsh Ministers may exercise functions. The requirement does not apply if it is not reasonably practicable to comply with it (for example because of the urgency of the matter) but in such a case the Minister of the Crown in question is required to inform the Welsh Ministers of the action as soon as reasonably practicable and to give reasons for it. A failure to comply with the requirement before taking an action does not affect the validity of that action.