If the Secretary of State is of the opinion that an emergency exists, and thinks it necessary in order to secure the effective continuance of any service under this Act, he shall have power to direct that any function conferred by or under this Act on any body or person shall, during the period of the emergency, be performed by such other body or person as he may specify in the direction.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 78 extended by Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 36, SIF 85), ss. 17(2), 91(2), Sch. 1 para. 8(b)
C2S. 78 modified (1.10.1998) by 1997 c. 46, s. 41(10), Sch. Pt. I paras. 32, 52; S.I. 1998/1998, art. 2(2)(b) Sch. 2