Water Resources Act 1991

3 (1) If the Ministers propose to make an order on an application under paragraph 1 above, they shall prepare a draft order, and shall cause notice of their intention to make an order—

(a) to be published in the London Gazette and in such other manner as they think best adapted for informing persons affected; and

(b) to be served on—

(i) the Authority;

(ii) any body (other than one no longer having any members) from which any functions or property are proposed to be transferred; and

(iii) any such navigation authority, harbour authority or conservancy authority not falling within paragraph (ii) above as appears to the Ministers to be affected by the proposals.

(2) A notice under sub-paragraph (1) above shall specify—

(a) the place where copies of the draft order, and of any map to which it refers, may be inspected and obtained; and

(b) the time (not being less than twenty-eight days) within which, and the manner in which, objections to the draft order may be made.

(3) Before making any order on an application under paragraph 1 above, the Ministers—

(a) shall consider any objections which may be duly made to the draft order; and

(b) may, if they think fit, cause a local inquiry to be held with respect to any such objections;

and, in making the order, the Ministers may make such modifications in the terms of the draft as appear to them desirable.