20.—(1) As from 1st January 1983 every person employed by the Timber Industry Board and such categories of persons employed in the Department of Trade as the Minister may determine immediately before that date shall be transferred to the service of the Board on terms not less favourable than those enjoyed by them immediately prior to their transfer.
(2) Until such time as regulations are made by the Board, the regulations relating to the schemes and terms and conditions of service in the Government or the Timber Industry Board shall continue to apply to every person transferred to the service of the Board under subsection (1) as if he were still in the service of the Government or the Timber Industry Board, as the case may be.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), such categories of persons who are transferred to the service of the Board, as the Minister may determine, shall as soon as practicable be given the option of remaining in the service of the Government.