After section 16 insert—

“16APublication of proposals

(1)

The appropriate authority may not make an order under section 16(1) or (3) unless the authority has published a draft of the proposed order, or of an order in substantially the same form, by such time and in such manner as may be prescribed.

(2)

A draft proposal or order in respect of an institution which is maintained by a local authority may not be published without the consent of the governing body and the local authority.

(3)

In this section “the appropriate authority” means—

(a)

in relation to a proposal or order in respect of an institution in England, the Secretary of State;

(b)

in relation to a proposal or order in respect of an institution in Wales, the Welsh Ministers.”