(This note is not part of the Order)
From 1st April 2010, the United Kingdom Space Agency has been operating as a shadow executive agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. From 1st April 2011, the UK Space Agency will operate as a full executive agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. In this regard, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has issued directions, by virtue of section 3(6) of the Science and Technology Act 1965, to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC), and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB). These directions require NERC, STFC and TSB to transfer certain responsibilities for activities relating to scientific research in outer space to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills acting through the UK Space Agency.
This Order makes provision for the transfer to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (in relation to the UK Space Agency) of all property, rights, liabilities and obligations held, acquired or incurred by:
a
NERC, STFC or TSB in connection with certain agreements relating to activities in relation to scientific research in outer space previously carried on by those Research Councils; and
b
STFC in connection with certain grants awarded by STFC for scientific research in relation to outer space.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.