(1)The Scottish Ministers may, for the purpose of or in connection with the matters mentioned in subsection (2)—
(a)conduct research and inquiries,
(b)publish statistics or other information in connection with the information obtained by them under any provision of this Chapter,
(c)encourage or assist other persons to do any of the things mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b).
(2)The matters are—
(a)enabling or assisting the exercise of any of their functions under this Chapter,
(b)assisting the exercise of any of the functions of a local authority under this Chapter.