(1)The Authority shall make, and review from time to time, arrangements to obtain the opinions about the policing of the railways of—
(a)passengers on the railways,
(b)groups of persons representing passengers on the railways,
(c)persons providing railway services,
(d)organisations representing persons providing railway services,
(e)employees of persons providing railway services,
(f)organisations representing employees of persons providing railway services,
(g)the Scottish Ministers,
(h)the National Assembly for Wales,
(i)organisations representing local authorities in England,
(j)the Strategic Rail Authority,
(k)the Office of Rail Regulation,
(l)the Rail Accident Investigation Branch,
(m)the Health and Safety Commission,
(n)the Health and Safety Executive, and
(o)other persons with an interest in the railways whom the Authority thinks it appropriate to consult.
(2)The Authority shall make, and review from time to time, arrangements to invite the co-operation of the persons listed in subsection (1) in preventing crime on the railways.
(3)Before making or reviewing arrangements under this section the Authority shall—
(a)consult the Chief Constable, and
(b)have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.
(4)The Secretary of State may—
(a)issue guidance about arrangements under this section;
(b)require the Authority to report to him on arrangements under this section;
(c)require the Authority to review arrangements under this section.