The Secretary of State, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 1(1) and (2), 6(1), (2) and (5), 23(1)(a) and (6), 24(1) and 35(2) of the Public Bodies Act 20111 (“the Act”), makes the following Order.

In accordance with section 8 of the Act, the Secretary of State considers that this Order—

serves the purpose of improving the exercise of public functions, having had regard to the factors set out in section 8(1) of the Act;

does not remove any necessary protection or prevent any person from continuing to exercise any right or freedom which that person might reasonably expect to continue to exercise.

The Treasury has consented to the making of this Order in so far as its consent is required by section 6(4) of the Act.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has consented to the making of this Order in so far as its consent is required by section 9(3)(a) of the Act.

The British Library Board2 has consented to the transfer of functions, property, rights and liabilities made by this Order in so far as its consent is required by sections 21(1)(a) and 23(4) of the Act.

The Secretary of State has carried out consultation in accordance with section 10 of the Act.

The Secretary of State has consulted the Welsh Ministers in accordance with section 63(1) of the Government of Wales Act 20063.

A draft of this Order and an explanatory document containing the information required in section 11(2) of the Act have been laid before Parliament in accordance with section 11(1) after the end of the period of twelve weeks mentioned in section 11(3).

In accordance with section 11(4) of the Act, a draft of this Order has been approved by resolution of each House of Parliament after the expiry of the 40-day period referred to in that provision.