7.—(1) The Scottish Ministers may approve a carrier in writing under this article to transport animals under this Order, which approval may be subject to conditions over and above the requirements of Schedule 4, if they are satisfied that–
(a)the carrier complies with the requirements in Schedule 4;
(b)the written procedures and contingency plans required in that Schedule are adequate; and
(c)the carrier will comply with this Order, the written procedures and contingency plans required in Schedule 4 and any additional conditions of the approval.
(2) The approval shall specify–
(a)where checks must be carried out;
(b)the routes to be used by the approved carrier to bring an animal into Scotland; and
(c)any additional conditions which the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.
(3) The carrier shall provide such information to the Scottish Ministers as they may reasonably require, for the purposes of considering an application for approval and enforcing an approval granted under paragraph (1).
(4) Before making a decision in respect of an application for the approval of a carrier under paragraph (1), the Scottish Ministers shall give the applicant an opportunity of making representations in that regard within such time and in such form as they think fit and shall consider any such representations before making the decision in the case.