The Secretary of State may cause a local inquiry to be held for the purpose of the exercise of any of his functions under this Act.

Subsections (2) to (5) of section 250 of the [1972 c. 70.] Local Government Act 1972 (giving evidence at and defraying costs of local inquiries) shall have effect with respect to any such inquiry as they have effect with respect to an inquiry held under that section.