Existing local authorities may establish, or the Secretary of State may require existing local authorities to establish, a committee in each region, islands area or district to consider any matter which it is expedient should be considered before the election of the council of the authority concerned in order to ensure the effective operation of that council on and after 16th May 1975.

A committee established under this section shall consist of such number of representatives of the authorities by whom it is established as may be agreed between them or, in default of agreement, as may be determined by the Secretary of State.

Any expenses incurred by a committee established under subsection (1) above shall be defrayed by the local authorities by whom the committee was established in such proportions respectively as may be agreed between them or, in default of such agreement, as may be determined by the Secretary of State.