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Interpretation

2.—(1) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—

authorised officer” means

(a)

in relation to England and Wales, an authorised officer of the Minister,

(b)

in relation to Scotland, an authorised officer of the Secretary of State, and

(c)

in relation to Northern Ireland, an authorised officer of the Ministry of Agriculture for Northern Ireland,

acting in each case on behalf of the competent authority in connection with the discharge of the authority's functions under the Regulation of the Council, the Regulation of the Commission and these regulations;

the competent authorityhas the meaning assigned to it by regulation 3 of these regulations;

the Minister” means the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food;

the Regulation of the Council” means Regulation (EEC) No. 1353/73 of the Council, of 15th May 1973, as replaced or amended by any subsequent directly applicable Community instrument;

the Regulation of the Commission” means Regulation (EEC) No. 1821/73 of the Commission, of 5th July 1973, as replaced or amended by any subsequent directly applicable Community instrument.

(2) Other expressions used in these regulations have, in so far as the context admits, the same meanings as in the Regulation of the Council and in the Regulation of the Commission.

(3) The Interpretation Act 1889 applies to the interpretation of these regulations as it applies to the interpretation of an Act of Parliament.