PART 2Consumer interests

I121Duty to have regard to consumer interests

1

A relevant public authority must, when making decisions of a strategic nature about how to exercise its functions, have regard to—

a

the impact of those decisions on consumers in Scotland, and

b

the desirability of reducing harm to consumers in Scotland.

2

For the purpose of this section and sections 22 and 23, “relevant public authority” means a person with functions of a public nature who is specified (by name or description) in regulations made by the Scottish Ministers.

3

Regulations under subsection (2) may specify a person—

a

in relation to the exercise of all of the person's functions, or

b

in respect of the exercise of certain specified functions only.

4

Before laying a draft of a Scottish statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (2) before the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Ministers must consult such persons as they consider appropriate.

5

Where the Scottish Ministers propose to specify a person under subsection (2) who is not currently a relevant public authority, the persons consulted under subsection (4) must include the person whom they propose to specify.