(1)The Commission may decide to conduct a formal investigation for any purpose connected with the performance of its duties under section 2(1).
(2)The Commission shall conduct a formal investigation if directed to do so by the Secretary of State for any such purpose.
(3)The Commission may at any time decide to stop or to suspend the conduct of a formal investigation; but any such decision requires the approval of the Secretary of State if the investigation is being conducted in pursuance of a direction under subsection (2).
(4)The Commission may, as respects any formal investigation which it has decided or been directed to conduct—
(a)nominate one or more commissioners, with or without one or more additional commissioners appointed for the purposes of the investigation, to conduct the investigation on its behalf; and
(b)authorise those persons to exercise such of its functions in relation to the investigation (which may include drawing up or revising terms of reference) as it may determine.
(5)Schedule 2 (appointment and tenure of office of additional commissioners) and Schedule 3 (so far as relating to the conduct of formal investigations) have effect.