Adoption of action plans
22.—(1) If the Scottish Ministers consider that an action plan–
(a)submitted to them pursuant to regulation 17(1)(b), 17(2)(b) or 17(4);
(b)submitted to them pursuant to paragraph (5); or
(c)drawn up or revised by them,
meets the requirements of regulation 13, they may adopt the action plan.
(2) Paragraph (3) applies if–
(a)the Scottish Ministers consider that an action plan submitted to them pursuant to regulation 17(1)(b), 17(2)(b) or 17(4) does not meet the requirements of regulation 13; or
(b)an action plan is not adopted pursuant to paragraph (1).
(3) Where this paragraph applies the Scottish Ministers shall–
(a)amend and adopt the plan; or
(b)reject the plan.
(4) If an action plan is rejected pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) the Scottish Ministers shall notify the competent authority that submitted it of–
(a)the reasons why the plan was not adopted; and
(b)the date by which the plan shall be revised and resubmitted.
(5) The recipient of a notification under paragraph (4) shall submit the revised action plan to the Scottish Ministers by the date specified in the notification.
(6) If the Scottish Ministers amend an action plan–
(a)submitted to them pursuant to regulation 17(1)(b), 17(2)(b) or 17(4); or
(b)submitted to them pursuant to paragraph (5),
they shall take such steps as they consider appropriate for ensuring that the action plan complies with the requirements of these Regulations.