Section 18 - Procedure for publication of guidance
91.Section 18 sets out the procedure for preparation of guidance, placing requirements on the Scottish Ministers to consult on the guidance, and to lay it before the Scottish Parliament prior to publication. Subsection (3) sets out the requirement for the Scottish Ministers to consult a Minister of the Crown, relevant public authorities or other appropriate persons who are subject to the principles duty, and other persons as they consider appropriate, prior to laying the guidance. Subsection (4) sets out that the Scottish Ministers must report on the outcome of the consultation when presenting the guidance to the Parliament. Subsections (5) and (6) provide 40 days, not counting periods of recess or dissolution for more than four days, for Parliament to resolve that the guidance should not be published.
