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1 Boundaries Scotland may if it thinks fit cause a local inquiry to be held in respect of any region or regions. 2 If Boundaries Scotland receive any relevant representations objecting to a proposed recommendation for the alteration of a region it must not make the recommendation unless since the publication of the notice under paragraph 7(2) a local inquiry has been held in respect of the region. 3 If a local inquiry was held in respect of the region before the publication of the notice under paragraph 7(2), sub-paragraph (2) above does not apply if Boundaries Scotland after considering— a the matters discussed at the inquiry, b the nature of the relevant representations received, and c any other relevant circumstances, think that a further local inquiry is not justified. 4 A relevant representation is a representation made in accordance with paragraph 7(2)(b)— a by the council for an area which is wholly or partly included in the region; b by a body of not less than 500 persons entitled to vote as electors at an election for membership of the Parliament held in any one or more of the constituencies included in the region.