Part 1: The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) Exercise of functions Sections 9 and 10: Directions: national security and public interest and Directions: requirements to notify Secretary of State
Section 9 gives the Secretary of State the power to give directions to the OGA as to the exercise of any of its functions if the Secretary of State considers that the directions are necessary in the interests of national security or are otherwise in the public interest. However, unless directions are given in the interests of national security, the Secretary of State may give a direction that relates to a regulatory function in particular cases (as defined) only if the Secretary of State considers that the circumstances are exceptional. A copy of the direction must be laid before Parliament, but the Secretary of State may exclude material that is considered to be contrary to the interests of national security or otherwise is not in the public interest to publish.
	Section 10 gives the Secretary of State the power to give directions to the OGA specifying matters with respect to which the OGA must notify the Secretary of State when they arise or if the OGA considers that they are likely to arise. This power will enable the Secretary of State to specify matters, for example, in relation to which the Secretary of State wishes to consider exercising the power in section 9.