4 Appointment of panels.S
(1)Subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, [F1SNH] may appoint for any locality a panel for the purposes of this section consisting of such number of persons, not exceeding nine, as [F2it considers ] appropriate, one of whom shall act as chairman.
(2)Before making an appointment under subsection (1) above, [F1SNH] may afford to such persons or organisations as [F3it thinks] fit an opportunity to suggest the name of any person who would in [F4its] view be an appropriate person for such an appointment.
(3)Where [F1SNH] [F5has] sought suggestions as mentioned in subsection (2) above, [F6it] shall consider any such suggestions before making an appointment under subsection (1) above.
(4)[F1SNH] may appoint a member of [F1SNH] or a member of [F1SNH's ] staff to act as observer to the panel for the purposes of—
(a)sitting with the panel at any meeting;
(b)taking part in their discussions; and
(c)informing [F1SNH] of information arising during and decisions taken at such meetings.
(5)An observer appointed under subsection (4) above shall not be a member of the panel.
(6)[F1SNH] may refer to any such panel any matter relating to the [F7deer] functions of [F1SNH], and it shall be the duty of the panel to advise [F1SNH] on the matter.
Textual Amendments
F1Word in Act substituted (1.8.2010) by Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 8), s. 134(7), Sch. 1 para. 6; S.S.I. 2010/221, art. 3(2), Sch.
F2Words in s. 4(1) inserted (1.8.2010) by Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 8), s. 134(7), Sch. 1 para. 11(a); S.S.I. 2010/221, art. 3(2), Sch.
F3Words in s. 4(2) substituted (1.8.2010) by Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 8), s. 134(7), Sch. 1 para. 11(b)(i); S.S.I. 2010/221, art. 3(2), Sch.
F4Word in s. 4(2) substituted (1.8.2010) by Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 8), s. 134(7), Sch. 1 para. 11(b)(ii); S.S.I. 2010/221, art. 3(2), Sch.
F5Word in s. 4(3) substituted (1.8.2010) by Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 8), s. 134(7), Sch. 1 para. 11(c)(i); S.S.I. 2010/221, art. 3(2), Sch.
F6Word in s. 4(3) substituted (1.8.2010) by Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 8), s. 134(7), Sch. 1 para. 11(c)(ii); S.S.I. 2010/221, art. 3(2), Sch.
F7Word in s. 4(6) inserted (1.8.2010) by Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 8), s. 134(7), Sch. 1 para. 11(d); S.S.I. 2010/221, art. 3(2), Sch.