(1)This section applies if the Secretary of State considers that a fire and rescue authority is failing, or is likely to fail, to act in accordance with the Framework prepared under section 21.
(2)For the purpose of securing that the authority acts in accordance with the Framework the Secretary of State may by order require the authority—
(a)to do something;
(b)to stop doing something;
(c)not to do something.
(3)The Secretary of State may make an order under subsection (2) only if he considers that making the order would promote—
(a)public safety,
(b)the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the fire and rescue authority in respect of which the order is made, or
(c)economy, efficiency and effectiveness in connection with the matters in relation to which fire and rescue authorities have functions.
(4)Before making an order under subsection (2) the Secretary of State must give the authority an opportunity to make representations about the order proposed.