Page:Inquiries Act 2007.pdf/8

8 PART III COMMITTEES OF INQUIRY Appointment of committee

9.—(1) Any Minister may, whenever he considers it expedient to do so, in writing appoint a committee of inquiry and direct the committee to inquire into—
 * (a) any accident or occurrence resulting in or involving death, serious personal injury or serious property damage;
 * (b) any occurrence that may endanger public safety or public health;
 * (c) the conduct or management of a ministry, department or statutory body falling under the responsibility of that Minister; or
 * (d) the conduct of any officer employed by or seconded to any such ministry, department or statutory body.

(2) The Minister shall issue to the committee terms of reference which shall specify the subject of the inquiry and may—
 * (a) specify any particular matters as to which the committee is to determine the facts;
 * (b) direct whether the committee is to make recommendations;
 * (c) direct where and when the inquiry shall be held and the report of the inquiry submitted;
 * (d) prescribe how the inquiry is to be conducted, including whether the Attorney-General is appointed to lead evidence in the inquiry; and
 * (e) direct whether the inquiry or any part of the inquiry shall or shall not be held in public.

(3) The Minister may modify the terms of reference issued under subsection (2) on the recommendation of the committee.

(4) The Minister may extend the time for the inquiry to be completed and for the submission of the report of the inquiry by the committee.