In addition to the local inquiries which the Secretary of State is empowered to hold under section ten of this Act, the Secretary of State may cause a local inquiry to be held for the purposes of any of his powers and duties under this Part of this Act, and, save in Scotland, the costs incurred in relation to any such last-mentioned inquiry, including the salary of any officer engaged in the inquiry, not exceeding F2£3.15p a day, shall be paid by the local authority concerned, and the Secretary of State may certify the amount of the costs incurred.

Any sums so certified shall be a debt to the Crown from the local authority.