(1) The Minister is to have a common seal.

(2) A document is duly executed by the Minister if ¾

(a) the common seal of the Minister is affixed to it in accordance with subsections (3) and (4); or

(b) it is signed on behalf of the Minister by an officer or officers of the department authorised to do so under subsection (5).

(3) The common seal of the Minister is not to be affixed to any document except as authorised by the Minister.

(4) The common seal of the Minister is to be affixed to a document in the presence of the Minister, and the Minister is to sign the document to attest that the common seal was so affixed.

(5) The Minister may, by writing under the Minister's seal, authorise an officer or officers of the department to sign documents on behalf of the Minister, either generally or subject to such conditions or restrictions as are specified in the authorisation.

(6) A document purporting to be executed in accordance with this section is to be presumed to be duly executed until the contrary is proved.

(7) Where a document is produced bearing a seal purporting to be the common seal of the Minister it is to be presumed that the seal is the common seal of the Minister until the contrary is proved.