77.—(1) The Joint Committee may—
(a)provide advice and assistance, or make representations, to a competent authority on a nature conservation matter which is connected with the discharge of the competent authority's functions under these Regulations; and
(b)undertake, commission or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) such research and scientific work as the Joint Committee considers is required for the purposes of providing advice or assistance or making representations under sub-paragraph (a).
(2) In this regulation and regulation 78, “research” includes inquiries and investigations.