The Minister may, where he is of opinion that the general interests of consumers are affected, institute proceedings for an offence against any provision of regulations made under section 4 or section 7 of the Act of 1984, other than any such provision which it is the duty of a district council to enforce and execute.

A district council shall not, except so far as may be otherwise prescribed by regulations made under section 7 of the Act of 1984, instituteproceedings for an offence against any provision of those regulations unless it has given to the Minister fourteen days' notice of its intention to institute the proceedings, together with a summary of the facts on which the charge is founded.

A certificate of the Minister that the requirements of sub-paragraph (2) have been complied with in relation to any proceedings shall be conclusive evidence that they have been so complied with; and any document purporting to be such a certificate and to be signed by or on behalf of the Minister shall be deemed to be such a certificate until the contrary is shown.