(1)The Agency shall consist of a chairman and deputy chairman and not less than eight or more than twelve other members, of whom—
(a)one member shall be appointed by the National Assembly for Wales;
(b)two members shall be appointed by the Scottish Ministers;
(c)one member shall be appointed by the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland; and
(d)the others shall be appointed by the Secretary of State.
(2)The chairman and deputy chairman shall be appointed by the appropriate authorities acting jointly and, before appointing a person as one of the other members of the Agency the authority making the appointment shall consult the other appropriate authorities.
(3)Before appointing a person as chairman, deputy chairman or member of the Agency, the authorities or authority making the appointment shall—
(a)have regard to the desirability of securing that a variety of skills and experience is available among the members of the Agency (including experience in matters related to food safety or other interests of consumers in relation to food); and
(b)consider whether any person it is proposed to appoint has any financial or other interest which is likely to prejudice the exercise of his duties.
(4)Schedule 1 (constitution etc. of the Agency) has effect.