(1) On and from the
day upon which this section comes into operation —
(a) the
Department shall cease to exist and, subject to this Act all functions,
powers, authorities and duties being exercised or performed immediately prior
to that date by the Department shall be exercised and performed by the
Commission;
(b) all
premises occupied by or on behalf of the Department immediately prior to that
day for or in connection with the conduct of the business of the Department
shall be occupied by the Commission for or in connection with the conduct of
its business and activities authorised by this Act;
(c) all
assets (including furniture, fittings and other Crown property but excluding
land) used by the Department shall be assigned to and taken over by the
Commission;
(d) all
liabilities incurred by or on behalf of the Department shall be transferred to
and be borne and discharged by the Commission;
(e) all
charges, fees and moneys due, payable or leviable by or on behalf of the
Department shall be paid to and may be received, levied and recovered by the
Commission;
(f) all
contracts made by the Department or by any Minister of the Crown on behalf of
the Department shall have effect as contracts by and with the Commission and
may be enforced by and against the Commission accordingly;
(g) such
books, documents, records and papers used by or on behalf of the Department as
the Minister determines shall be handed over to the Commission.
(2) Not later than one
month after the coming into operation of this section the Commission and the
Minister for Works shall agree upon the terms and conditions on which the
Commission shall —
(a)
occupy the premises referred to in subsection (1)(b); and
(b) take
an assignment of the assets referred to in subsection (1)(c),
and in default of
agreement the terms and conditions of occupancy and assignment shall be as the
Minister for Works determines.