Procedure for references to the Secretary of State - Decision on application for consent to a reference10
1
The Secretary of State must decide whether to consent to a reference as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving an application.
2
The Secretary of State must inform the applicant and other parties in writing of the decision as soon as reasonably practicable.
3
If the Secretary of State refuses consent to a reference, the Secretary of State must give a written statement of reasons for that decision at the same time as it informs the applicant and the other parties of the decision.