(1)The Secretary of State may appoint, as inspectors to assist him in the execution of this Part of this Act, such number of persons appearing to him to be qualified for the purpose as he considers appropriate from time to time; and the Secretary of State may make, to or in respect of any person so appointed, such payments by way of remuneration or otherwise as the Secretary of State determines with the approval of the Minister for the Civil Service.
(2)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision with respect to—
(a)the powers and duties of—
(i)inspectors appointed under subsection (1); and
(ii)any other persons acting on the directions of the Secretary of State in connection with the execution of this Part of this Act; and
(b)the facilities to be accorded to such inspectors and other persons.
(3)For the purpose of enforcing regulations made under subsection (2), an inspector appointed under subsection (1) shall have the same powers under section 38 of the [1974 c. 37.] Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (institution of proceedings in England and Wales) as he would have if he were an inspector appointed by the Health and Safety Executive under section 19 of that Act who is authorised to act for the purposes of the regulations.
(4)In the application of this section to Northern Ireland, subsection (3) shall have effect as if—
(a)the references to sections 19 and 38 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 were references to Articles 21 and 35, respectively, of the [S.I. 1978/1039 (N.I. 9).] Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978; and
(b)the reference to the Health and Safety Executive were a reference to the Department of Economic Development.
(5)A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (2) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.