3(1)The Secretary of State may give the Commission directions as to the discharge of its functions and the Commission shall give effect to any such directions.
(2)The Commission shall provide the Secretary of State with such information relating to the discharge of its functions as he may require and for that purpose shall permit any person authorised by him to inspect and make copies of any accounts or other documents of the Commission and shall afford such explanation of them as that person or the Secretary of State may require.
(3)No direction shall be given by the Secretary of State and no information shall be required by him under this paragraph in respect of any particular body subject to audit.
(4)Before giving any direction under this paragraph the Secretary of State shall consult—
(a)the Commission;
(b)such associations of local authorities as appear to him to be concerned or, as the case may require, such organisations connected with the health service as appear to him to be appropriate; and
(c)such bodies of accountants as appear to him to be appropriate.
(5)The Secretary of State shall publish any direction given by him under this paragraph.