(1) An R&D plan is to be submitted to the Minister for approval no later than 2 months, or such shorter period as the Minister, in special circumstances, allows, before the intended day of commencement of the period to which the plan relates.
(2) Where the Minister is of the opinion that an R&D Corporation's R&D plan, submitted under subsection (1) or (3) for his or her approval, should be revised in some respect, the Minister may give to the Corporation a written notice:
(a) requesting the Corporation to make such a revision; and
(b) setting out the reasons for the request.
(3) Where an R&D Corporation receives such a request, it must:
(a) consider the request and the statement of reasons; and
(b) make such revision of the R&D plan it considers appropriate; and
(c) submit the plan, as so revised, to the Minister for approval.
(4) Where a copy of an R&D plan is submitted to the Minister for approval under subsection (1) or (3), a copy of the plan is at the same time also to be provided to the Presidents (or the holders of the equivalent office) within each of the representative organisations of the Corporation.
(5) Where the Minister approves an R&D plan, the Corporation is, no later than one month after the day on which it is approved by the Minister, to notify each of its representative organisations of the Minister's approval.
(6) An R&D plan does not come into operation until:
(a) the day on which it is approved by the Minister; or
(b) the day of commencement of the period to which it relates;
whichever is the later.