(1)The Secretary of State may give Natural England general or specific directions as to the exercise of its functions.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to functions of Natural England that are exercisable through the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
(3)The Secretary of State must publish any directions given under this section as soon as is reasonably practicable after giving the directions.
(4)The power to give directions under this section includes power to vary or revoke the directions.
(5)Natural England must comply with any directions given under this section.