38.This section provides that tenders have to be sought by general invitation no later than three months after the making of a scheme, unless the Scottish Ministers specify an alternative period. The tender must be issued generally by authorities in order to bring it to the attention of persons who may be interested, and issued individually to all persons who request a copy in writing. Tenders will only be acceptable from licensed operators of public service vehicles or persons holding a community bus permit under section 22 of the Transport Act 1985. The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision requiring local transport authorities to publish information in relation to the tenders submitted to them or their reasons for entering into particular QCs.