Detailed Commentary on Sections in Part 2 “Inclusive” approach to exercise of functions Section 80 : Community law
291.This section makes it clear that a European Community obligation of the United Kingdom is also an obligation of the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister or the Counsel General if (and so far as) the obligation could be implemented or complied with by the exercise by the Welsh Ministers etc. of their functions.
292.Where, however, the obligation in question is to achieve a result defined by reference to a quantity and that quantity relates to the whole of the United Kingdom or some part of the United Kingdom which includes a part, or the whole, of Wales this rule does not apply unless a Minister has, after consultation with the Welsh Ministers, made an order under this section apportioning the obligation so as to define what contribution the Welsh Ministers must make to the achievement of that result.
293.This section also provides that the Welsh Ministers, First Minister and Counsel General have no power to make subordinate legislation, or to do any other act, if the subordinate legislation or act is incompatible with Community law or with an obligation imposed by an order of a Minister of the Crown made under this section.