12.—(1) For each financial year Quality Meat Scotland must–
(a)prepare an annual report on how it has discharged its functions during the year; and
(b)send a copy of the report to the Scottish Ministers within such period as the Scottish Ministers may specify.
(2) In this article, “financial year” means–
(a)the period beginning with the day on which Quality Meat Scotland is established and ending with the next 31st March; and
(b)each subsequent period of 12 months ending with 31st March.
(3) Quality Meat Scotland must keep proper accounts and proper records.
(4) For each financial year, Quality Meat Scotland must–
(a)prepare a statement of accounts in respect of that financial year; and
(b)send copies of the statement to the Scottish Ministers and the Auditor General for Scotland within such period as the Scottish Ministers may specify.
(5) The statement must be in such form as the Scottish Ministers may specify.
(6) The Auditor General for Scotland must–
(a)examine, certify and report on the statement; and
(b)send a copy of the certified statement of its reports to the Scottish Ministers as soon as possible.
(7) The Scottish Ministers must lay a copy of the report sent under paragraph (1) and a copy of the statement sent under paragraph (4) before the Scottish Parliament.