Commentary on Sections Part 7: Border and Immigration Inspectorate Section 51: Plans
154.Section 51 requires the Chief Inspector to prepare plans describing the objectives and terms of reference of inspections he proposes to carry out. The Secretary of State has the power to specify when plans should be prepared and what periods they should cover, although the Chief Inspector must prepare plans at such other times, and in respect of such other periods, as he thinks appropriate. The Secretary of State also has the power to lay down the form of plans, what information they must contain, who should be consulted (in addition to himself) when plans are being prepared by the Chief Inspector and who (in addition to himself) should receive copies of plans. The Chief Inspector is free to carry out actions even if they are not listed in a plan.