This section applies where—
there is an urgent need to make provision of a kind that could be made by an order under section 5(2) or by regulations under section 6(2), but
there is insufficient time for the order or regulations to be made.
The Scottish Ministers may by direction make provision of a kind that could be made by an order under section 5(2) or by regulations under section 6(2).
A direction under subsection (2) shall be in writing.
Where the Scottish Ministers give a direction under subsection (2)—
they may revoke or vary the direction by further direction,
they shall revoke the direction as soon as is reasonably practicable (and they may, if or in so far as they think it desirable, re-enact the substance of the direction by way of an order under section 5(2) or by way of regulations under section 6(2)), and
the direction shall cease to have effect at the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which it is given (but without prejudice to the power to give a new direction).
A provision of a direction under subsection (2) shall be treated for all purposes as if it were a provision of an order under section 5(2) or of regulations under section 6(2).