34 General functions.E+W+S
(1)It shall be the duty of the Director, so far as it appears to him practicable from time to time, to keep under review the carrying on both within and outside Great Britain of
[F1(a)such activities as are mentioned in section 5(1) above; and
(b)activities ancillary to such activities (including in particular the storage of gas, the provision and reading of meters and the provision of pre-payment facilities).]
(2)It shall also be the duty of the Director, so far as it appears to him practicable from time to time, to collect information with respect to
[F2(a)the carrying on of such activities as are mentioned in subsection (1) above; and
(b)the persons by whom such activities are carried on,]
with a view to his becoming aware of, and ascertaining the circumstances relating to, matters with respect to which his functions are exercisable.
(3)The Secretary of State may give general directions indicating—
(a)considerations to which the Director should have particular regard in determining the priority in which matters are to be brought under review in the performance of his duty under subsection (1) or (2) above; and
(b)considerations to which, in cases where it appears to the Director that any of his functions are exercisable, he should have particular regard in determining whether to exercise those functions.
(4)It shall be the duty of the Director, where either he considers it expedient or he is requested by the Secretary of State or the Director General of Fair Trading to do so, to give information, advice and assistance to the Secretary of State or that Director with respect to any matter in respect of which any function of the Director [F3or the Secretary of State.] is exercisable.
[F4(5)The Director shall have power to make agreements with the Health and Safety Commission for the Director to perform on behalf of that Commission or the Health and Safety Executive (with or without payment) any of the functions of that Commission or, as the case may be, that Executive.]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 34(1)(a)(b) substituted for words in s. 34(1) (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 40(1); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2
F2S. 34(2)(a)(b) substituted for words in s. 34(2) (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 40(2); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2
F3Words in s. 34(4) inserted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 40(3); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2
F4S. 34(5) inserted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 40(4); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2