reg 12 Public participation procedures
(1) As soon as reasonably practicable after preparing proposals for amending or replacing the UK Plan , the Secretary of State must— (a) take such steps as he considers appropriate to bring the proposals to the attention of the persons who in his opinion are affected or likely to be affected by, or have an interest in, the proposals (in this Part, referred to as “public consultees”); (b) inform public consultees of the address from which a copy of the proposals may be obtained; (c) invite public consultees to express their opinions on the proposals, specifying the address to which, and the period within which, opinions must be sent. (2) The period referred to in paragraph (1)(c) must be sufficient to ensure that public consultees are given an effective opportunity to express their opinions on the proposals. (3) The Secretary of State must keep a copy of the proposals for inspection by the public at all reasonable times free of charge. (4) The Secretary of State may make a reasonable charge for copies provided under paragraph (1)(b) .