The Transfer of Functions (International Development) Order 1997

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

The Secretary of State for International Development has been entrusted with functions relating to international development formerly entrusted to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. The functions in question were for the most part exercised through the Overseas Development Administration, which was part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

This Order transfers to the Secretary of State for International Development functions of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under certain Royal Charters and in relation to certain companies. The Order also transfers to the Secretary of State for International Development property, rights and liabilities (other than immovable property and rights and liabilities relating to it) to which the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs is entitled or subject at the coming into force of the Order in connection with functions relating to international development. It also makes provision consequential upon the re-allocation of such functions and the transfer of such property, rights and liabilities.

The Order also constitutes the Secretary of State for International Development and her successors a corporation sole with a common seal, and amends the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 by adding the Department for International Development to Schedule 2 to that Act (departments, &c. subject to investigation).