(1)The Secretary of State may, if he considers it expedient to do so for purposes connected with any function of his relating to education—
(a)form, or participate in forming, companies to carry on any activities which he considers likely to secure or facilitate the achievement of those purposes, or
(b)invest in any company which is to carry on such activities.
(2)In this section “education” includes—
(a)vocational training (including the preparation of young people for employment in general), and
(b)social and physical training (including the promotion of the development of young children),
but does not include higher education.
(3)In this section “company” means a company [F1as defined in section 1(1) of the Companies Act 2006].
(4)The reference in subsection (1) to investing in a company includes a reference to becoming a member of the company and to investing in it by the acquisition of any assets, securities or rights or otherwise.
(5)This section is without prejudice to any powers of the Secretary of State exercisable otherwise than by virtue of this section.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 13(3) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 198(3) (with art. 10)