4.—(1) The functions which, immediately before the transfer date, are exercisable by the Committee for Nature Conservation established under Article 5 of the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands Order are hereby transferred to the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside.
(2) The functions which, immediately before the transfer date, are exercisable by the Ulster Countryside Committee referred to in Article 11 of the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands Order are hereby transferred to the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside.
(3) Without prejudice to paragraphs (1) and (2), the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside shall—
(a)advise the Department on the payment of grants under Article 29(1)(a) of the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands Order;
(b)advise the Department on promotional and educational activities in relation to the conservation of nature or of the countryside.
(4) The Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside may be heard at any inquiry held under any statutory provision where matters relating to the conservation or protection of nature or of the countryside are involved.
(5) Subject to paragraph (6), the Department shall defray the expenses incurred by the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside with the approval of the Department in obtaining legal representation at such inquiry as is mentioned in paragraph (4).
(6) The amount payable under paragraph (5) shall not exceed such amount as may be agreed by the Department with the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel.