Subject to the provisions of this section, the court may, at any time after the presentation of a winding-up petition, appoint a liquidator provisionally.
In England and Wales, the appointment of a provisional liquidator may be made at any time before the making of a winding-up order; and either the official receiver or any other fit person may be appointed.
In Scotland, such an appointment may be made at any time before the first appointment of liquidators.
The provisional liquidator shall carry out such functions as the court may confer on him.
When a liquidator is provisionally appointed by the court, his powers may be limited by the order appointing him.