262.—(1) Subject to paragraph (5), it is the duty of the official receiver to investigate the conduct and affairs of every bankrupt and to make such report (if any) to the High Court as he thinks fit.
(2) Where an application is made by the bankrupt under Article 254 for his discharge from bankruptcy, the official receiver shall make a report to the High Court with respect to the prescribed matters; and the Court shall consider that report before determining what order (if any) to make under that Article.
(3) A report by the official receiver under this Article shall, in any proceedings, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated in it.
(4) In paragraph (1) the reference to the conduct and affairs of a bankrupt includes his conduct and affairs before the making of the order by which he was adjudged bankrupt.
(5) Where a certificate for the summary administration of the bankrupt’s estate is for the time being in force, the official receiver shall carry out an investigation under paragraph (1) only if he thinks fit.