23 Advisory bodies and their functions.E+W+S
(1)The Secretary of State may—
(a)establish any body or bodies, consisting in each case of such members as he may from time to time appoint;
(b)assign to any body or bodies the duty referred to in subsection (4).
(2)Without prejudice to his power under subsection (1), the Secretary of State shall, as soon as practicable after the commencement date,—
(a)establish at least one body under paragraph (a) of subsection (1); or
(b)assign to at least one body, under paragraph (b) of that subsection, the duty referred to in subsection (4).
(3)A reference in this Part to an advisory body is a reference to a body which is established under subsection (1) or to which the duty there referred to is assigned under that subsection.
(4)It shall be the duty of an advisory body to advise the Secretary of State on any question which he may refer to it or on which it considers it should offer its advice—
(a)in connection with the administration of this Part; or
(b)otherwise in connection with the protection of birds or other animals or plants.
(5)In so far as it does not have power to do so apart from this subsection, an advisory body may publish reports relating to the performance by it of its duty under subsection (4).
(6)Before appointing a person to be a member of an advisory body established under subsection (1)(a), the Secretary of State shall consult such persons or bodies as he thinks fit.
(7)The Secretary of State may, out of moneys provided by Parliament and to such an extent as may be approved by the Treasury, defray or contribute towards the expenses of an advisory body established under subsection (1)(a).