Commonwealth Telegraphs Act 1949

4 The functions of the Board shall be

(1) To make recommendations to the Partner Governments and to National Bodies on the following matters relating to their external telecommunication systems:—

(a) The formulation and execution of the joint telecommunication policy of the Partner Governments, including the fixing of rates (terminal transit and parcours proportions)

(b) Co-ordination of the development of the cable and wireless systems of the British Commonwealth and Empire

(c) Extensions to and alterations of the telecommunication systems of the British Commonwealth and Empire

(d) The provision and, where appropriate, the apportionment among National Bodies, of capital expenditure on projects

(e) Co-ordination with the appropriate authorities on telecommunication matters affecting the defence of the British Commonwealth and Empire or any part thereof

(f) Co-ordination of research in telecommunication matters conducted by National Bodies

(g) The exchange of personnel between the Board and National Bodies

(h) Any other telecommunication matter which may be referred to the Board by any of the Partner Governments or by any National Body

(2) At the request of the Partner Governments or National Bodies to conduct negotiations with foreign telecommunication interests on their behalf

(3) To promote and conduct research in telecommunication matters

(4) To purchase or otherwise acquire and turn to account in any manner that may be thought fit any Letters Patent or patent rights or any interest in any Letters Patent or patent rights brevets d'invention, licences concessions and the like conferring an exclusive or nonexclusive or limited right to use any secret or other information as to any invention in relation to any device or machine serving or calculated to serve any useful purpose in connection with any of the functions of the Board or with the business of any National Body

(5) To set up and administer a Central Fund for the receipt of the net revenues of the National Bodies

(6) To establish and support or aid in the establishment and support of associations institutions funds trusts and conveniences calculated to benefit employees or ex-employees of the Board or the dependants or connections of such persons and to grant pensions and allowances and to make payments towards insurances and to subscribe or guarantee money for charitable or benevolent or educational objects or for any exhibition or for any public general or useful object

(7) To borrow money temporarily in anticipation of revenue

(8) To sell improve manage exchange lease mortgage enfranchise dispose of turn to account or otherwise deal with all or any part of the property and rights of the Board

(9) To enter into make and perform contracts of guarantee and indemnity of whatsoever kind which may be necessary or convenient for the purpose of the Board's functions

(10) To do all or any of the above things in any part of the world and either as principals agents trustees contractors or otherwise and either alone or in conjunction with others and either by or through agents sub-contractors trustees or otherwise

(11) To do all such other things as the Board may deem incidental or conducive to the discharge of any of their functions