(1)This section applies to any function of a Minister or office-holder—
(a)which is conferred by or under any enactment; and
(b)which, by virtue of any enactment or rule of law, may be exercised by an officer of his; and
(c)which is not excluded by section 71 below.
(2)If a Minister by order so provides, a function to which this section applies may be exercised by, or by employees of, such person (if any) as may be authorised in that behalf by the office-holder or Minister whose function it is.
(3)A Minister shall not make an order under this section in relation to an office-holder without first consulting him.
(4)An order under this section may provide that a function to which this section applies may be exercised, and an authorisation given by virtue of such an order may (subject to the provisions of the order) authorise the exercise of such a function—
(a)either wholly or to such extent as may be specified in the order or authorisation;
(b)either generally or in such cases or areas as may be so specified; and
(c)either unconditionally or subject to the fulfilment of such conditions as may be so specified.
(5)An authorisation given by virtue of an order under this section—
(a)shall be for such period, not exceeding 10 years, as is specified in the authorisation;
(b)may be revoked at any time by the Minister or office-holder by whom the authorisation is given; and
(c)shall not prevent that Minister or office-holder or any other person from exercising the function to which the authorisation relates.