|
|
Inquiries in respect of boards of conservators.
|
17.—(1) The Minister may at any time, if he thinks fit, order an inquiry into the performance of its duties by any board of conservators and may appoint any person to hold such inquiry.
|
|
| |
(2) A person (in this section referred to as an authorised person) appointed under sub-section (1) of this section to hold an inquiry under this section into the performance of their duties by a board of conservators may do all or any of the following things, that is to say:—
|
|
| |
(a) summon witnesses to attend before him at such inquiry;
|
|
| |
(b) examine on oath (which such person is hereby authorised to administer) witnesses attending before him at such inquiry;
|
|
| |
(c) require any such witnesses to produce any documents in their power or control the production of which such person considers necessary for the purpose of such inquiry.
|
|
| |
(3) A witness before an authorised person holding an inquiry shall be entitled to the same immunities and privileges as if he were a witness before the High Court.
|
|
| |
(4) If any person—
|
|
| |
(a) on being duly summoned to attend as a witness before an authorised person holding an inquiry makes default in attending, or
|
|
| |
(b) so being in attendance as a witness, refuses to take an oath legally required by such authorised person to be taken, or to produce any document in his power or control legally required by such authorised person to be produced by him, or to answer any question to which such authorised person may require an answer,
|
|
| |
such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding twenty-five pounds.
|
|
| |
(5) Where a person (not being an officer of the Minister) is appointed to hold an inquiry under this section, such person shall be paid such remuneration and such allowances for expenses as the Minister may with the consent of the Minister for Finance determine.
|
|
| |
(6) Where an inquiry in relation to a board of conservators has been held under this section, the Minister shall certify the amount of the expenses incurred by the Minister in relation to such inquiry, and the amount so certified shall be recovered by the Minister from the revenue of such board.
|
|
| |
(7) Any sum recovered by the Minister under the next preceding sub-section of this section shall be paid into or disposed of for the benefit of the Exchequer in such manner as the Minister for Finance may direct.
|
|
| |
(8) An offence under this section may be prosecuted by the Minister.
|
