Yours ever, THE RT HON GRAHAM STUART MP Minister of State for Energy and Climate Annex Clauses 171 and 172 The Committee asked why the UK Government considers it appropriate that Clauses 171 and 172 confer powers on the Secretary of State to amend Scottish primary legislation without a requirement to obtain the consent of the Scottish Ministers. 1 The Delegated Powers Memorandum , at paragraphs 550-557, explains why the UK Government considers the current approach appropriate.