4In section 54 of the 1972 Act (proposals for changes in local government areas in Wales), after subsection (1) insert—
“(1A)The Welsh Commission may, in consequence of a review conducted by them under this Part of this Act make proposals to the Secretary of State for effecting changes in the area of a preserved county which appear to the Commission to be desirable having regard, in particular, to the purposes for which the preserved counties are retained.”
5For section 56(1) of the 1972 Act (power of Secretary of State to direct holding of reviews), substitute—
“(1)The Secretary of State may direct the Welsh Commission to conduct a review of—
(a)Wales as a whole,
(b)any one or more local government areas or parts of such areas in Wales, or
(c)any one or more preserved counties or parts of such counties,
for the purpose of considering whether or not to make such proposals in relation to the area reviewed as are authorised by section 54 above and what proposals, if any, to make; and the Commission shall, if they think fit, formulate such proposals accordingly.”
6At the end of section 219 of the 1972 Act (sheriffs and under-sheriffs), after subsection (8) add—
“(9)In subsections (1) and (5) above “county”, in relation to Wales, means a preserved county.”
7At the end of section 224 of the 1972 Act (arrangements by principal councils for custody of documents) add—
“(3)In subsection (1) above “county”, in relation to Wales, means a preserved county.”
8For section 269 of the 1972 Act (meaning of “England” and “Wales”) substitute—
In this Act “Wales” means the combined area of the preserved counties and “England” does not include any area which is included in any of the preserved counties.”