The Act Commentary on Sections Part 3: Assessment of Misuse of Drugs Section 18: Orders under this Part and guidance
40.This section provides that an order made by the Secretary of State amending the age at which persons may be required to attend an initial assessment and a follow-up assessment may make provision where appropriate in respect of persons under the age of eighteen, may make different provision for different police areas and must be approved in draft by both Houses of Parliament. Subsection (3) provides that a police officer and a suitably qualified person must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State under this Part of the Act.