In this section and section 38 below, “appropriate officer” means an officer of the Secretary of State who, acting under his authority, is exercising functions of the Secretary of State in relation to such payments out of the social fund as are mentioned in section 138(1)(b) of the Contributions and Benefits Act.

The Secretary of State may nominate for an area an appropriate officer who shall issue general guidance to other such officers in the area about such matters relating to the social fund as the Secretary of State may specify.

In relation to any decision of an appropriate officer, section 38 below shall apply in substitution for sections 9 and 10 above.