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EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order makes provision in connection with the establishment of the Government Equalities Office.

Article 3 transfers to the Lord Privy Seal certain statutory functions relating to equality conferred on the Secretary of State and formerly entrusted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. It enables certain powers to be exercised by the Lord Privy Seal as well as by the Secretary of State. The powers in question either relate to equality or can be used in connection with functions relating to equality.

Article 4 provides for the incorporation of the Lord Privy Seal.

Article 5 transfers property, rights and liabilities in connection with functions transferred under article 3(1).

Article 6 designates the Lord Privy Seal in relation to discrimination for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972.

Article 7 makes supplemental provision in connection with articles 3 and 5.

Nothing in this Order alters the functions of the Welsh Ministers, the Scottish Ministers or the devolved authorities in Northern Ireland.