18Consultation by Welsh MinistersU.K.
(1)Where the Welsh Ministers propose to make an order under section 13 or 14 they must consult—
(a)any body or person exercising public functions to which the proposal relates,
(b)such other persons as appear to them to be representative of interests substantially affected by the proposal, and
(c)such other persons as they consider appropriate.
(2)If, as a result of consultation under subsection (1), it appears to the Welsh Ministers appropriate to change the whole or part of the proposal, they must carry out such further consultation with respect to the changes as seems appropriate.
(3)It is immaterial for the purposes of this section whether consultation is carried out before or after the commencement of this section.
(4)Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to a body with no members or an office which is vacant; and, where a body is consulted under that provision, any vacancy in its membership is immaterial.