10.—(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.