Petroleum Act 1998

4 (1) This paragraph applies where the Secretary of State decides that an application for a works authorisation is to be considered further and is of the opinion, either on his own initiative (except in relation to the purpose mentioned in paragraph 6(b)) or in consequence of representations made to him by the applicant or any other person,—

(a) that the route proposed for the pipeline or part of it in the application ought to be altered in a particular manner for any of the purposes mentioned in paragraph 6; or

(b) that the capacity proposed for the pipeline or part of it in the application ought to be increased for any of the purposes mentioned in paragraph 6(b) or (d).

(2) Where this paragraph applies, the Secretary of State shall, before deciding whether to issue an authorisation in consequence of the application, serve notice of his opinion—

(a) on the applicant; and

(b) where the opinion relates to an alteration of the route proposed for the pipeline or part of it on—

(i) any persons whom the Secretary of State considers are likely to be affected by the alteration; or

(ii) any person appearing to the Secretary of State to represent such persons.

(3) In any notice of his opinion served under this paragraph the Secretary of State shall state the reasons for his opinion except any reason which he considers that it would be against the national interest to state.