(1)The Secretary of State may, if he thinks fit in relation to—
(a)an application for registration under section 7 or 10,
(b)an application for an authorisation under section 13 or 14, or
(c)any such registration or authorisation,
give directions to the chief inspector requiring him to take any of the steps mentioned in the following subsections in accordance with the directions.
(2)A direction under subsection (1) may require the chief inspector so to exercise his powers under this Act as—
(a)to refuse an application for registration or authorisation,
(b)to effect or grant a registration or authorisation, attaching such limitations or conditions (if any) as may be specified in the direction, or
(c)to vary a registration or authorisation, as may be so specified, or
(d)to cancel or revoke (or not to cancel or revoke) a registration or authorisation.
(3)The Secretary of State may give directions to the chief inspector, as respects any registration or authorisation, requiring him to serve a notice under section 21 or 22 in such terms as may be specified in the directions.
(4)The Secretary of State may give directions requiring the chief inspector to send such written particulars relating to, or to activities carried on in pursuance of, registrations effected or authorisations granted under any provision of this Act as may be specified in the directions to such local authorities as may be so specified.
(5)In the application of this section to Northern Ireland, references to the Secretary of State shall have effect as references to the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.