2 Contracting out of the functions of the Secretary of State
Any function of the Secretary of State (not being a function excluded from section 69 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 by section 71(1) of that Act) which relates to or is connected with the payment or repayment of any sum by way of royalty which is conferred on him by:
(a) any provision of any licence granted or treated as having been granted under the provisions of section 3(1) of the Petroleum Act 1998; or
1998 c. 17.
(b) section 6 of that Act,
may, to such extent as may be specified in the authorisation, be exercised by, or by employees of, such person (if any) as may be authorised in that behalf by the Secretary of State.