The functions of the Service and of its officers and servants shall be performed on behalf of the Crown, but, subject to paragraph 35 below, the Service shall not be subject to directions of any kind from any Minister of the Crown as to the manner in which it is to exercise any of its functions under any enactment.

For the purposes of any civil proceedings arising out of those functions, the [1947 c. 44.] Crown Proceedings Act 1947 and the [1857 c. 44.] Crown Suits (Scotland) Act 1857 shall apply to the Service as if it were a government department within the meaning of the said Act of 1947 or, as the case may be, a public department within the meaning of the said Act of 1857.