Publicity and consultation

(1) This section applies where the Minister of Health proposes to make or withdraw an application under section 55. (2) At least three months before implementing its proposal, the Ministry of Health shall– (a) publish details of the proposal in one or more newspapers circulating within the area affected by the proposal; and (b) give notice of the proposal to every local authority whose area falls wholly or partly within that area. 69 (3) Before implementing the proposal, the Minister of Health shall consult each of the local authorities to which they are required, by virtue of sub-section (2)(a), to give notice of the proposal. (4) The Minister of Health shall, not earlier than seven days after publishing details of the proposal in the manner required by sub-section (2)(a), re-publish them in that manner. (5) Where the Minister of Health has complied with this section in relation to the proposal he shall, in determining whether or not to proceed, have such regard as he considers appropriate to– (a) any representations which have been made to him with respect to it; and (b) any consultations under sub-section (3). (6) The Minister of Health may direct that this section shall not apply in relation to any proposal to withdraw an application under section 55.