In December 1982, the ministries of Finance and Economy were merged, and to assist the minister of finance and economy in its financial responsabilities the position of Secretary of State for Finance was established. In its early years, the Secretariat of State was responsible for all kind of taxes, fiscal policy and financing of all administrations, legal counsel (
Solicitor General), State properties, budget and accounts auditing. Over the years, it gradually transferred powers to other Ministry's officials, such as the Office of the Solicitor General or the management of State properties in 1984, which were transferred to the Under-Secretary, or everything related to budget matters, European funds and auditing of accounts, which was transferred in 1996 to the new
Secretary of State for Budget and Expenditure. From April 2004 to December 2011, all budgetary powers returned to this Secretariat of State when the one for budget and expenditure was suppressed. At this time, the position was known as "Secretary of State for Finance and Budget". == Organization ==