s 1 The Environment Agency.
(1) There shall be a body corporate to be known as the Environment Agency or, in Welsh, Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd (in this Act referred to as “ the Agency ”), for the purpose of carrying out the functions transferred or assigned to it by or under this Act. (2) The Agency shall consist of not less than eight nor more than fifteen members of whom— (a) three shall be appointed by the Minister; and (b) the others shall be appointed by the Secretary of State. (3) The Secretary of State shall designate— (a) one of the members as the chairman of the Agency, and (b) another of them as the deputy chairman of the Agency. (4) In appointing a person to be a member of the Agency, the Secretary of State or, as the case may be, the Minister shall have regard to the desirability of appointing a person who has experience of, and has shown capacity in, some matter relevant to the functions of the Agency. (5) Subject to the provisions of section 38 below, the Agency shall not be regarded— (a) as the servant or agent of the Crown, or as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown; or (b) by virtue of any connection with the Crown, as exempt from any tax, duty, rate, levy or other charge whatsoever, whether general or local; and the Agency’s property shall not be regarded as property of, or property held on behalf of, the Crown. (6) The provisions of Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the Agency.