8Regional consultation
(1)If the Secretary of State is of the opinion—
(a)that there is a body which is representative of those in a regional development agency’s area with an interest in its work, and
(b)that the body is suitable to be given the role of regional chamber for the agency,
he may by directions to the agency designate the body as the regional chamber for the agency.
(2)The Secretary of State may by directions require a regional development agency for which there is a regional chamber under subsection (1)—
(a)to have regard, in the exercise of its functions under section 7(1)(a), to any views expressed by the chamber, and
(b)to consult the chamber in relation to the exercise of such of its functions as may be specified in the directions.
(3)The Secretary of State may give a regional development agency for which there is no regional chamber under subsection (1) such guidance and directions as he thinks fit for the purpose of securing that it carries out appropriate consultation in relation to the exercise of its functions.