21Powers of Secretary of State in relation to magistrates' courts committees
(1)The Secretary of State may by statutory instrument make general regulations about the constitution, procedure and quorum of magistrates' courts committees; but (except as provided by subsection (2) below) any such regulations shall have effect subject to the provisions of section 20 of this Act.
(2)Any such regulations may—
(a)lay down upper and lower limits for the number of members of which the magistrates' courts committee for an area to which section 19(2) of this Act applies which is not divided into petty sessional divisions may be composed, and
(b)direct that where, in an area to which section 19(2) of this Act applies which is divided into petty sessional divisions, the total number of the divisions is less than that specified in the regulations, there shall from each division be such number of members on any magistrates' courts committee acting for the area as may be so specified.
(3)Any such regulations may also make provision with respect to the persons (other than the members, clerks and officers of the committee) who may be entitled to attend the meetings of a magistrates' courts committee and the rights of such persons to make representations to the committee.
(4)The Secretary of State may give general or special directions with respect to summoning the first meeting of magistrates' courts committees.