We have heard a significant amount about consultation in the debate, and it is an important part of the requirements of the Bill. The clause relates to other clauses that we have discussed or will come on to. Subsection (1) states:

“Before making an order under this Part the relevant authority must consult the following...the regulator to which the order relates...such organisations as appear to the relevant authority to be representative of persons substantially affected by the proposals”.

That could be a business group, which may represent a number of small businesses or other such persons. It is important that consultation is part of the machinery for which we are legislating, and there is a broad definition under subsections (1)(a) to (c) of who should be consulted. That will rightly ensure a high level of public scrutiny of the decision to award a regulator new sanctioning powers.

If there are substantial changes to any part of the proposals as a result of the consultation exercise, subsection (2) requires the Minister to undertake further consultation on the revised proposals, as he considers appropriate.