6The Post Office
(1)There shall be established a public authority, to be' called the Post Office, which shall have such powers and duties as are conferred and imposed on it by, or by virtue of, the following provisions of this Act; so, however, that, until the appointed day, the purpose for which its powers are exercised shall be restricted to the preparation for the assumption by it of functions theretofore discharged by the Postmaster General.
(2)The Post Office shall consist of a chairman and, to a number not exceeding twelve nor falling short of—
(a)three, as regards the period beginning with the day on which this Act is passed and ending with the day immediately preceding the appointed day; and
(b)six, after the expiration of that period,
of other members, whether part-time or full-time.
(3)The chairman of the Post Office shall be appointed by the Minister, and the other members of the Post Office shall be appointed by the Minister after consultation with the chairman.
(4)Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect as respects the Post Office and the members thereof.
(5)It is hereby declared that the Post Office is not to be regarded as the servant or agent of the Crown, or as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown, or (subject to the express provisions of this Act relating to stamp duty) as exempt from any tax, duty, rate, levy or other charge whatsoever, whether general or local, and that its property is not to be regarded as property of, or property held on behalf of, the Crown.