The Secretary of State may give the Welsh Commission or F1a principal council in Wales directions for their guidance in conducting reviews under section 55, 56 or 57 above and making proposals or recommendations or considering substantive changes in electoral arrangements in consequence thereof, and the directions may relate to all such reviews or to any particular review or class of review.

A direction shall not be given under subsection (1) above with respect to all reviews, reviews of any class or a single review of F2. . . the principal areas in Wales except after consultation with associations appearing to the Secretary of State to be representative of local authorities.

The Secretary of State may give directions to the Welsh Commission with respect to the order in which areas or electoral arrangements are to be reviewed by them under any provision of section 55 or 56 above.