4(1)The approved regulator has 28 days beginning with the date of receipt of the notice of intention (or such longer period as the approved regulator and the Scottish Ministers may agree) to make representations to the Scottish Ministers about the proposed direction.
(2)The Scottish Ministers must—
(a)publish the notice of intention in such manner as they consider most appropriate for bringing it to the attention of any relevant person or body,
(b)give a copy of the notice of intention to such person or body as they consider appropriate,
(c)after the expiry of the period for representations—
(i)give the recipients under paragraph (b) a copy of any representations received from the approved regulator,
(ii)consult them accordingly in relation to the appropriateness of giving the direction.
(3)Where the Scottish Ministers consider that the proposed direction may have the effect of preventing competition within the legal services market, or significantly restricting or distorting such competition, they must (additionally)—
(a)send to the OFT—
(i)a copy of the notice of intention,
(ii)a copy of any representations received from the approved regulator,
(b)consult the OFT accordingly.