1Before making application for an order under subsection (1)(b) of section 16 of this Act, the applicants shall consult the assay office the subject of the proposed order and, if so requested by the assay office, shall submit to the Secretary of State a draft of the proposed order and such written observations as the assay office may make to the applicants within the period of forty-two days after being so consulted ; and, following the submission of such a draft and observations, the applicants shall take no further steps in connection with the proposed application pending a decision of the Secretary of State, who shall give written notice to the applicants and the assay office either that he refuses to consider such an application or that it is (without prejudice, however, to subsequent refusal thereof) to be allowed to proceed.