282Local inquiries
(1)The Secretary of State may cause a local inquiry to be held for the purposes of the exercise of any of his functions under any of the provisions of this Act.
(2)The provisions of subsections (2) to (5) of section 290 of the [1933 c. 51.] Local Government Act 1933 (which relate to the giving of evidence at, and defraying the cost of, local inquiries) shall have effect with respect to any inquiry held by virtue of this section as if the Secretary of State were a department for the purposes of that section.