The Authority, for the purpose of their general functions of reorganising, developing and regulating the white fish industry, shall have regard to the interest of consumers in a plentiful supply of white fish at reasonable prices, as well as to the interests of the different sections of the white fish industry.

The Ministers may, after consultation with the Authority, give the Authority such directions of a general character as to the exercise and performance by the Authority of their functions as appear to the Ministers to be requisite in the national interest and the Authority shall give effect to any such directions.

The Ministers shall publish in such manner as they think fit any direction given by them under this subsection as soon as practicable after it is given, unless in their opinion it is against the national interest to do so.

Any directions under subsection (2) above in connection with the Authority's functions under section 44 of this Act shall be given by the Secretary of State concerned with the sea fishing industry in Wales as well as by the Ministers, and references to the Ministers in that subsection shall be construed accordingly.

It shall be the duty of the Authority, if so required by any Minister of the Crown, to act as his agent in matters relating to white fish.