20.Section 5 places a general requirement on the Scottish Ministers to consult in relation to the exercise of any of their functions under the Act. Where they consider it appropriate to do so, Ministers are required to consult with such persons or bodies that appear to them to have a significant interest in the subject matter to which the exercise of the function relates (except in relation to sections 141(c) and 145(1)). This general consultation requirement applies whether or not there is any other particular consultation requirement.