89Subsidiary powers of new authorities
(1)A new water and sewerage authority may—
(a)commission or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) research which in their opinion is relevant to, or directly related to, any of their functions; or
(b)themselves initiate and carry out research which in their opinion is directly related to any of their functions.
(2)With the consent of the Secretary of State, a new water and sewerage authority—
(a)may form or promote, or join with any other person in forming or promoting, a company (within the meaning of the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985);
(b)may (whether in Scotland or elsewhere) provide advice and assistance to any person as respects any matter in which they have skill and experience.
(3)Without prejudice to any powers exercisable apart from this subsection but subject to the provisions of this Act and of the 1968 and 1980 Acts, a new water and sewerage authority shall have power to do anything (whether in Scotland or elsewhere) which is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to, the discharge of any of their functions.