The M1Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992 shall apply to a local inquiry or other hearing held in pursuance of this Schedule as it applies to a statutory inquiry held by the Secretary of State, but as if in section 10(1) of that Act (statement of reasons for decisions) the reference to any decision taken by the Secretary of State were a reference to a decision taken by an appointed person.

The functions of determining an appeal and doing anything in connection with it conferred by this Schedule on an appointed person who is F1a member of the staff of the Scottish Administration shall be treated for the purposes of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (asp 11) as functions conferred on the Scottish Ministers.