(1)The power under section 1 to cause an inquiry to be held, or to convert an inquiry under section 15, is exercisable by two or more Ministers acting jointly.
(2)In this Act “joint inquiry” means an inquiry for which by virtue of this section, or section 34, two or more Ministers are responsible.
(3)In the case of a joint inquiry—
(a)powers conferred on a Minister by any provision of this Act (except section 41) are exercisable by the Ministers in question acting jointly;
(b)duties imposed by this Act on a Minister are joint duties of those Ministers.
(4)Subsection (3)(b), so far as relating to obligations under section 39, is subject to any different arrangements that may be agreed by the Ministers in question.