(1)The Secretary of State may refer a matter within the SSSNB’s remit to the SSSNB for consideration by it.
(2)The rest of this section applies if the Secretary of State does so.
(3)The Secretary of State may specify—
(a)factors to which the SSSNB must have regard in considering the matter;
(b)a date by which the SSSNB must comply with subsection (5).
(4)The SSSNB must consider the matter, having regard to any factors specified under subsection (3)(a).
(5)When it has considered the matter, the SSSNB must—
(a)if it has reached an agreement about the matter, submit that agreement to the Secretary of State, and
(b)if it has been unable to reach an agreement about the matter, notify the Secretary of State of that.
(6)If the Secretary of State specifies a date under subsection (3)(b), the SSSNB must comply with subsection (5) no later than that date.
(7)The Secretary of State may, at any time before the SSSNB have complied with subsection (5) in relation to a matter—
(a)withdraw or vary the reference of the matter;
(b)if factors have been specified under subsection (3)(a), withdraw or vary those factors, or specify further factors under that paragraph;
(c)if a date has been specified under subsection (3)(b), specify a later date under that paragraph.
(1)The SSSNB may consider a matter within its remit, even if the matter has not been referred to it by the Secretary of State under section 229.
(2)If the SSSNB reaches agreement about the matter, it may submit the agreement to the Secretary of State.