On an application for a compulsory works order, the Secretary of State may make the order either in the terms of the draft order submitted to him or, subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) below, in those terms as modified in such manner as he thinks fit, or may refuse to make an order.

The Secretary of State shall not make such a modification of a draft order submitted to him by any water undertaker as he considers is likely adversely to affect any persons unless he is satisfied that the undertaker has given and published such additional notices, in such manner, as the Secretary of State may have required.

The Secretary of State shall not, unless all interested parties consent, make a compulsory works order so as to confer in relation to any land any powers of compulsory acquisition which would not have been conferred in relation to that land if the order were made in the terms of the draft order submitted to him under paragraph 1 above.

Where, on an application by a water undertaker for a compulsory works order, the Secretary of State refuses to make an order, the undertaker shall, as soon as practicable after the refusal, notify the refusal to every person on whom it was, by virtue of paragraph 1(1)(c)(i) above, required to serve a copy of the notice with respect to the application.

The duty of a water undertaker under sub-paragraph (4) above shall be enforceable under section 18 of this Act by the Secretary of State.