This Order transfers property, rights and liabilities in consequence of certain transfers of Ministerial functions.

In consequence of the transfer to the Secretary of State for Defence of responsibility for the government oil pipe-line and storage system the Order provides for the transfer to that Secretary of State of all the property, rights and liabilities comprising or related to the system which are vested in any other Minister of the Crown.

The Order also transfers to the Secretary of State for Energy all the property, rights and liabilities to which any other Minister of the Crown is entitled or subject in relation to petroleum licences granted, or having effect as if granted, under section 2 of the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934. This affects licences granted before the transfer to the Secretary of State for Energy in 1974 of Ministerial responsibility for petroleum production.

The Order also contains consequential and supplemental provisions.