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Interpretation
7. As this concordat indicates, DfT and the Executive will exchange information and inform or consult each other about a wide range of issues in a wide range of situations. The concordat is not, however, intended to be an exhaustive description of every aspect of the relationship between the organisations, or to preclude communication between them about other issues or in other situations.
8. It is not generally either possible or desirable for the concordat to prescribe in detail the circumstances which will trigger a need to invoke the arrangements set out in this concordat, or the exact form of communication or the timescale involved. Where specific arrangements are necessary on particular topics they are outlined in this concordat and its annexes. DfT and the Executive will use their judgement , taking into account the terms of this concordat, in determining for any given issue the procedures (including the level of detail and, where necessary, the period of notice) that appear reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances, in accordance with the principle that if either is planning action which impinges on the responsibilities of the other, it should give adequate forewarning.
9. This concordat is framed in terms of the interface between DfT and the Executive; it is not intended to imply that communications on issues covered by the concordat should not, where appropriate, also involve other UK Departments (including the Scotland Office) or devolved administrations; indeed that may be the most effective way of conducting some business.
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