Commentary on Sections Part 1: Functions of Ofcom Section 31: Transitional functions and abolition of pre-commencement regulators
82.This section imposes a duty on the pre-commencement regulators to take all such steps as are necessary or expedient for ensuring that OFCOM are able effectively to carry out their functions from the time that they are vested in OFCOM. The Secretary of State may direct the pre-commencement regulators as to how to carry out this duty. OFCOM and the pre-commencement regulators must give the Secretary of State all such information and assistance as she requires for the purposes of carrying our her functions under section 30.
83.This section also gives the Secretary of State a power, by order, to appoint a day for the abolition of the offices of the pre-commencement regulators and of the advisory bodies established under section 54 of the Telecommunications Act 1984. The Secretary of State may appoint different days for the abolition of each of the different regulators and advisory bodies.
	*Section 54 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 provides for the establishment of various advisory bodies to advise the Director General of Telecommunications.  The Secretary of State was required to set up an advisory body for matters affecting each of the following: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Director was required to establish advisory bodies for matters affecting small businesses, and matters affecting persons who are disabled or of pensionable age.  In addition, the Director was empowered to establish such other advisory bodies as he thought fit.  Section 54 is repealed by subsection (5) of section 31.