Subject to paragraph (2), the Department may cause a public inquiry to be held in connection with the exercise of any of its functions under this Order.

Paragraph (1) does not apply to the making of an order under Article 10, 13 or 15 if the sole effect of the order is to vary charges.

For the purposes of any inquiry under paragraph (1), Schedule A1 to the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (which applies in relation to such inquiries by virtue of section 23 of that Act) shall have effect as if the words “ or may, if the Department so determines, be wholly or partly defrayed by the Department ” were added at the end of paragraph 7(1) of that Schedule.

Schedule 6 shall have effect in relation to any inquiry under paragraph (1) which is held in connection with the making by the Department of an order or a scheme under this Order.