This Order in Council is made under section 1 of the Ministers of the Crown Act 1975.

Article 3 transfers to the Secretary of State the functions of the Lord Chancellor under the enactments listed there. This is with a view to the functions being exercised by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, and accordingly article 4 transfers to that Secretary of State any property, rights and liabilities to which the Lord Chancellor is entitled or subject in connection with the functions transferred.

Article 5 contains supplementary provision in connection with the transfers. Article 6 and the Schedule make consequential amendments to legislation.

Nothing in this Order alters the functions of the National Assembly for Wales, the Scottish Ministers or the devolved authorities in Northern Ireland.