art 3 Contracting out of functions
(1) Any function of the Secretary of State which is listed in Schedule 1, 2 or 3 may be exercised by, or by employees of, such person (if any) as may be authorised to do so by the Secretary of State. (2) Any function of a local authority which is listed in any of those Schedules may be exercised by, or by employees of, such person (if any) as may be authorised to do so by the authority whose function it is.