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normally a Constitutional Conference, after which the British Parliament passes legislation enabling the DT to become a State in its own right. This is usually the only occasion on which Parliament passes direct legislation for a DT. Although the Secretary of State can propose such legislation, there are few occasions on which this is done. (See Chapters 6 and 7).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
The Secretary of State's duties and responsibilities are
To carry out the general policy and obligations of the British Government in respect of DTs, notably where treaties are applicable or where the external relations of the UK with other states involve the interests of a DT
To be responsible for the good government and constitutional development of the DTs
To protect DTs from external attack
To be the spokesman for DTs within the Government and in Parliament
To be, through his powers in respect of legislation, the ultimate regulator and guarantor of the probity of financial and commercial institutions, including public finance, in each DT
To be the ultimate authority in respect of justice in the widest sense, through his duty to deal with or advise The Queen on petitions regarding judicial matters (and through his powers to appoint judges)
To be the ultimate "protector" of the public service in every DT, and to ensure its freedom from political pressures
Through his officials, together with those of the Ministry of Overseas Development, to continue to undertake a general agency role (ie for the provision of staff, training, technical advice etc).
POWERS OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
The Secretary of State has the following powers:
He selects, and advises The Queen on the appointment of the Officer Administering the Government (OAG) ie the Governor, Governor and Commander-in-Chief, High Commissioner, Commissioner or Administrator. The control of appointment of certain senior posts is reserved to the Secretary of State
He directs the OAG, as provided by the constitution of the Territory, (eg by Royal Instructions)
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