14In section 8 of the 1996 Act (local policing plans), after subsection (4) there shall be inserted—
“(4A)It shall be the duty of a police authority and of a chief constable, in preparing, issuing or submitting any plan or draft plan under this section, to have regard to any general guidance given by the Secretary of State with respect to local policing plans and the drafts of such plans.
(4B)Before giving any guidance under subsection (4A), the Secretary of State shall consult with—
(a)persons whom he considers to represent the interests of police authorities;
(b)persons whom he considers to represent the interests of chief officers of police; and
(c)such other persons as he thinks fit.”