(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order specifies certain functions of the Scottish Ministers for the purposes of section 93(1) of the Scotland Act 1998. Section 93(1) allows the Scottish Ministers to make arrangements for any of their specified functions to be exercised on their behalf by a Minister of the Crown.
The functions of the Scottish Ministers which may be exercised by a Minister of the Crown on their behalf are those of the Scottish Ministers in relation to the matters listed in the Schedule to this Order.
The Schedule lists functions in relation to animal welfare (paragraph 1) and animal health (paragraph 2), including the taking of enforcement action (paragraph 3) and the collection and recovery of fees and expenses (paragraph 4), as well as the enforcement of cross-compliance rules, under the common agricultural policy of the European Union, so far as relating to animal health and welfare measures (paragraph 5).
The functions, which will be the subject of agency arrangements from time to time under this Order, will be published on the following websites:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare