Government agencies to consult councils

(1) Any Ministry or Department of Government intending to make any decision or policy or to carry out any act affecting a village shall consult with the council before doing so and, as far as practicable, take the views of the council into account. (2) Where such decision, policy or action affects all villages in a district or in the country, it shall be sufficient for the Ministry or Department concerned to consult with the appropriate agency established under section 55 of this Act. (3) Where the Ministry or Department as aforesaid decides not to follow the advice of the council or agency, as the case may be, it shall explain its reasons in writing to the council or agency before effecting that decision, and provide the council or agency further opportunity to present its case to the Ministry or Department. (4) If there is any conflict in the exercise of powers between a Lots Committee established by a Council under this Act and any Lands or Lots Committee or other body established pursuant to any enactment regulating the distribution or disposal of national lands, the powers of a Lots Committee established under this Act shall, in respect of the village or community in which that Committee exercises powers, have effect over the powers of such other Lands or Lots Committee as aforesaid.