The Secretary of State may, for the purpose of obtaining information about air pollution, direct a local authority to make such arrangements as may be specified in the direction—
(a) for the provision, installation, operation and maintenance by the local authority of apparatus for measuring and recording air pollution; and
(b) for transmitting the information so obtained to the Secretary of State.
Where apparatus is provided in pursuance of a direction under the preceding subsection, the Secretary of State shall defray the whole of the capital expenditure incurred by a local authority in providing and installing the apparatus.
Before giving a direction under subsection (1) of this section the Secretary of State shall consult the local authority, and it shall be the duty of the local authority to comply with any direction given under that subsection.