Detailed Commentary on Sections in Part 6 Powers Paragraph 4
650.Paragraph 4(1) and (2) provide that the Assembly Commission can do anything which it considers necessary or appropriate for the purposes of, or in connection with, its functions. The Assembly Commission’s functions, as set out in Section 27(4) are the provision of property, staff and services to the Assembly, though the Assembly can confer further functions on the Assembly Commission by Assembly Measure. In particular under sub-paragraph (2) the Assembly Commission has power to enter into contracts; to charge for goods and services; to invest money not immediately required for the discharge of its functions; and to accept gifts. Paragraph 4(3) provides that gifts to the Assembly (e.g. by visiting heads of state) vest in the Assembly Commission.
651.Paragraph 4(4) allows the Assembly Commission to sell goods or provide services to the public, or to make arrangements for doing so.
652.Paragraph 4(5) and (6) allow the Assembly Commission to borrow money (but only in sterling) in order to meet a temporary shortfall in sums available to meet its expenditure. This includes a power to enter into an overdraft arrangement. The Assembly Commission can only borrow money in accordance with special or general directions given by the Assembly under section 27(6). Thus the borrowing power is conditional upon the Assembly’s prior approval.