4(1)A decision of the Secretary of State under paragraph 3 shall, except in such classes of case as may for the time being be prescribed or as may be specified in directions given by the Secretary of State, be made by a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose instead of by the Secretary of State.E+W
(2)A decision made by a person so appointed shall be treated as a decision of the Secretary of State.
(3)The Secretary of State may, if he thinks fit, direct that a decision which, by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) and apart from this sub-paragraph, falls to be made by a person appointed by the Secretary of State shall instead be made by the Secretary of State.
(4)A direction under sub-paragraph (3) shall—
(a)state the reasons for which it is given; and
(b)be served on the person, if any, so appointed, the authority and any person by whom a representation or objection has been duly made and not withdrawn.
(5)Where the Secretary of State has appointed a person to make a decision under paragraph 3 the Secretary of State may, at any time before the making of the decision, appoint another person to make it instead of the person first appointed to make it.
(6)Where by virtue of sub-paragraph (3) or (5) a particular decision falls to be made by the Secretary of State or any other person instead of the person first appointed to make it, anything done by or in relation to the latter shall be treated as having been done by or in relation to the former.
(7)Regulations under this Act may provide for the giving of publicity to any directions given by the Secretary of State under this paragraph.