(1)The functions mentioned in subsection (2) shall, so far as they are exercisable within devolved competence, be exercisable by the Scottish Ministers instead of by a Minister of the Crown.
(2)Those functions are—
(a)those of Her Majesty’s prerogative and other executive functions which are exercisable on behalf of Her Majesty by a Minister of the Crown,
(b)other functions conferred on a Minister of the Crown by a prerogative instrument, and
(c)functions conferred on a Minister of the Crown by any pre-commencement enactment,
but do not include any retained functions of the Lord Advocate.
(3)In this Act, “pre-commencement enactment” means—
(a)an Act passed before or in the same session as this Act and any other enactment made before the passing of this Act,
(b)an enactment made, before the commencement of this section, under such an Act or such other enactment,
(c)subordinate legislation under section 106, to the extent that the legislation states that it is to be treated as a pre-commencement enactment.
[F1(3A)But see sections 9, 32 and 51 of the Scotland Act 2016 (which give “pre-commencement enactment” a different meaning for functions exercisable within devolved competence by virtue of certain provisions of that Act).]
(4)This section and section 54 are modified by Part III of Schedule 4.
Textual Amendments
F1S. 53(3A) inserted (5.9.2016) by Scotland Act 2016 (c. 11), ss. 32(3), 72(4)(b); S.I. 2016/759, reg. 3(i)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 53 restricted (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1592, arts. 1, 3, Sch. 1; S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3
S. 53 excluded (30.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1746, arts. 1, 3; S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3
C2S. 53 explained (6.5.1999) (temp. until 1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1042, art. 2
C3S. 53 extended (6.5.1999) (temp.) by S.I. 1999/901, art. 3(3)
C4S. 53 extended (30.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1748, arts. 4-8
C5S. 53 excluded (15.11.2004) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), ss. 6(9), 67(1)
C6S. 53 excluded (5.9.2016) by Scotland Act 2016 (c. 11), ss. 33(1), 72(4)(b); S.I. 2016/759, reg. 3(j)
C7S. 53(2)(a) modified (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1756, arts. 5-7