4.—(1) Any expenses properly incurred by the returning officer in the performance of his or her functions under this Order (in this article referred to as “returning expenses”) shall be paid–
(a)in the case of the first election by the Scottish Ministers; and
(b)in the case of every other election, by the Authority.
(2) The Scottish Ministers, in the case of the first election, and the Authority, in the case of every other election may pay to the returning officer such fees as they consider appropriate.
(3) On the request of the returning officer for an advance on account of returning expenses, the Scottish Ministers (in the case of the first election) and the Authority (in the case of every other election) may, if they think fit, make such an advance to him or her of such an amount and subject to such conditions as they may approve.