PART 2Secretary of State fisheries statement
Introductory
5(1)This Part applies in relation to the preparation and publication by the Secretary of State of—
(a)an SSFS, or
(b)amendments of an SSFS.
(2)In this Part “the relevant document” means the document mentioned in sub-paragraph (1).
Consultation
6(1)The Secretary of State must—
(a)prepare a draft (“the consultation draft”) of the relevant document,
(b)publish the consultation draft in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate, and
(c)take such steps as the Secretary of State considers appropriate to secure that the consultation draft is brought to the attention of interested persons.
(2)The Secretary of State must, in settling the final text of the relevant document, have regard to any representations made to the Secretary of State about the consultation draft.
(3)In this paragraph “interested persons” means—
(a)any persons appearing to the Secretary of State to be likely to be interested in, or affected by, the consultation draft, and
(b)members of the general public.
Requirement to lay consultation draft before Parliament
7(1)The Secretary of State must—
(a)specify a period (“the scrutiny period”) for scrutiny of the consultation draft by Parliament, and
(b)on or before the first day of that period lay a copy of the consultation draft before Parliament.
(2)Sub-paragraph (3) applies if, during the scrutiny period—
(a)either House of Parliament passes a resolution with regard to the consultation draft, or
(b)a committee of either House of Parliament makes a recommendation with regard to the policies contained in the consultation draft.
(3)The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a statement setting out the Secretary of State’s response to the resolution or recommendation.
(4)In this paragraph “the consultation draft” means the draft prepared and published under paragraph 6.
Publication of the relevant document
8(1)Sub-paragraph (2) applies where the Secretary of State has—
(a)complied with paragraphs 6 and 7, and
(b)decided on the final text of the relevant document.
(2)The Secretary of State must publish the relevant document as soon as reasonably practicable.