25A board shall be a body to which Part VI of the [1948 c. 26.] Local Government Act 1948 applies, and section 119(1) in that Part shall apply to a board as it applies to a county council.
26A board may defray—
(a)any expenses incurred in the reception and entertainment by way of official courtesy of—
(i)distinguished persons residing in the area of the board, or visiting that area or any works outside the area operated by the board, or
(ii)persons representative of, or connected with, other boards or similar services, whether inside or outside the United Kingdom,
or in the supply of information to any such persons ;
(b)any reasonable expenses incurred in connection with ceremonies connected with the performance by the board of any of their functions.
27A board may pay reasonable subscriptions, whether annually or otherwise, or contributions to the funds—
(a)of any association formed for the purpose of consultation as to the common interests of boards and the discussion of matters connected with the performance of functions of boards or similar services ;
(b)of associations of officers of boards or similar services, being associations formed for the purpose mentioned in the foregoing sub-paragraph,
and may make reasonable contributions for furthering research in matters with which boards and their officers are concerned.