22Local inquiries
(1)The Secretary of State may cause such local inquiries to be held as he may consider necessary for the purpose of any of his functions under this Act.
(2)Subsections (2) to (5) of section 250 of the [1972 c. 70.] Local Government Act 1972 shall apply in relation to any such inquiry as if it were an inquiry held in pursuance of subsection (1) of that section and the Conservators were a local authority.