Commentary Supplementary Section 35: Power to modify enactments
137.Section 35 provides an order-making power for the Secretary of State to modify enactments. Subsection (1) provides that an order made by the Secretary of State may provide for an enactment or description of enactments to apply, with such modification as considered necessary or expedient, in relation to relevant persons (as defined in subsection (2)) or to the exercise of functions by those persons. Subsection (2) defines “relevant persons” as the Secretary of State by whom general functions are exercisable, the Director, designated customs officials, immigration officers and officials in the department of that Secretary of State, and provides that a reference to relevant persons includes a reference to any description of relevant persons.
138.Subsection (3) states that an order made under this section may, in particular, include provision for, or in connection with, extending to the persons specified in subsection (2) an exemption or protection afforded to other persons in another enactment and providing for the disclosure of information to, or for doing other things in relation to, the relevant persons.
139.Subsection (4) obliges the Secretary of State to consult with the Commissioners before making an order under section 35 relating to customs matters or the exercise of a customs function.