The Transfer of Functions (Medicines and Poisons) Order 1999

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order in Council, made under the Ministers of the Crown Act 1975, transfers the functions of the Secretaries of State concerned with health in Scotland and in Wales under the Medicines Act 1968 and the Medicines Act 1971 to the Secretary of State for Health (article 2(1)). It also transfers the functions under those Acts of the Secretary of State concerned with agriculture in Scotland and of the Secretary of State or the Secretary of State for Wales exercisable by virtue of the Transfer of Functions (Wales) (No. 1) Order 1978 to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (article 2(2)). The functions of the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales under the Marketing Authorisations for Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1994 and the Registration of Homoeopathic Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1997 are transferred to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (article 2(3)). In addition the Order transfers the function of the Secretary of State for Scotland of appointing a member of the Poisons Board under Schedule 1 to the Poisons Act 1972 to the Secretary of State for the Home Department (article 2(4)).

The Order also makes provision for the transfer of any property, rights and liabilities relevant to the functions and makes other supplementary and consequential provisions (articles 3, 4 and 5 and the Schedule).