(1)The Secretary of State may make provision for the giving of advice (whether free of charge or otherwise) to persons carrying on or proposing to carry on a business.
(2)Not later than six months after the end of any financial year in which this power is used the Secretary of State shall prepare and lay before Parliament a report on the exercise during the year of his powers under this section.
(3)In the application of this section to a financial year beginning before the commencement of this Act, the reference in subsection (2) above to the Secretary of State's powers under this section shall include a reference to his powers under section 18 of the [1980 c. 33.] Industry Act 1980.