42In Schedule 7 to the [1972 c. 52.] Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 (determination of certain appeals by persons appointed by the Secretary of State), after paragraph 3 (power of Secretary of State to direct that appeal should be determined by him) insert—
“3A(1)The Secretary of State may by a further direction revoke a direction under paragraph 3 of this Schedule at any time before the determination of the appeal.
(2)A direction under this paragraph shall state the reasons for which it is given and shall be served on the person, if any, previously appointed to determine the appeal, the applicant or appellant, the planning authority and any person who has made representations relating to the subject matter of the appeal which the authority are required to take into account under section 26(3)(a) of this Act.
(3)Where a direction under this paragraph has been given, the provisions of this Schedule relevant to the appeal shall apply, subject to sub-paragraph (4), as if no direction under paragraph 3 had been given.
(4)Anything done by or on behalf of the Secretary of State in connection with the appeal which might have been done by the person appointed to determine the appeal (including any arrangements made for the holding of a hearing or local inquiry) shall, unless that person directs otherwise, be treated as having been done by him.”.