3.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4), and to the provisions of rule 22(1) in respect of clearance area orders, these Rules shall apply in relation to any inquiry which is caused by the Secretary of State to be held in England or Wales pursuant to section 5, and which concerns an order made by an acquiring authority.
(2) The following paragraphs of this rule apply where a public authority (as defined in rule 3 of the 1976 Rules) has, prior to the date on which these Rules come into force (“the commencement date”) submitted a compulsory purchase order to the Secretary of State for confirmation, and on that date no decision as to confirmation has been issued.
(3) Where at the commencement date a local inquiry has been opened but the inspector has not yet reported, the 1976 Rules shall continue to regulate the procedure until immediately before he reports, but these Rules shall apply to the making of the report and all subsequent procedures.
(4) Where at the commencement date a local inquiry has not been opened, the 1976 Rules shall continue to apply until the inquiry is opened, but these Rules shall apply thereafter.