The National Assembly for Wales was established in 1998. It has two distinct areas, each with its own responsibilities:

• The Welsh Assembly is concerned with economic development, health, education, social services, health, education, social services, local government, agriculture, housing, transport, the environment and European affairs. Although Welsh Assembly staff work all over Wales, the majority of the 3,500 staff work in Cardiff.
• The Wales Office represents the UK government in Wales and represents Wales within the UK government. It deals with a wide range of domestic issues, such as health, social services, agriculture, environment, industry and transport. Staff are mainly based in London with a small office in Cardiff. As the Wales Office does not recruit directly, staff are seconded from other departments temporarily.

Source: Prospects 2004