(1)Subject to subsection (2) below, the Secretary of State may under this subsection give a new water and sewerage authority directions of a general or specific character (but not such directions as may be given under section 117 of this Act) as to the exercise of the authority’s functions; and it shall be the duty of the authority to comply with those directions.
(2)Before giving an authority directions under subsection (1) above, the Secretary of State shall consult the authority.