16APublication of proposals

1

The appropriate authority may not make an order under section 16(1) or (3) unless the authority has published a draft of the proposed order, or of an order in substantially the same form, by such time and in such manner as may be prescribed.

2

A draft proposal or order in respect of an institution which is maintained by a local authority may not be published without the consent of the governing body and the local authority.

3

In this section “the appropriate authority” means—

a

in relation to a proposal or order in respect of an institution in England, the Secretary of State;

b

in relation to a proposal or order in respect of an institution in Wales, the Welsh Ministers.