Her Majesty may appoint such number of inspectors of fire and rescue authorities in England (the "English inspectors") as the Secretary of State may determine.
Of the persons appointed under subsection (A1) one is to be appointed as the chief fire and rescue inspector for England.
The English inspectors must inspect, and report on the efficiency and effectiveness of, fire and rescue authorities in England.
The English inspectors must carry out such other duties for the purpose of furthering the efficiency and effectiveness of fire and rescue authorities in England as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct.
The chief fire and rescue inspector for England may appoint assistant inspectors and other officers for the purpose of assisting the English inspectors.
When carrying out an inspection under subsection (A3) of a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A, an English inspector must not review or scrutinise decisions made, or other action taken, by the fire and rescue authority in connection with the discharge of an excluded function.
For the purposes of subsection (A6), the following are excluded functions in relation to a fire and rescue authority—
The power under subsection (A7)(e) may be exercised in relation to—
Schedule A3 makes further provision in relation to the English inspectors.
Her Majesty may by Order in Council appoint inspectors, and the Secretary of State may appoint assistant inspectors and other officers, for the purpose of obtaining information as to—
The Secretary of State may pay to persons appointed under this section remuneration determined by him.
A person appointed under section 24 of the Fire Services Act 1947 (c. 41) is to be taken to have been appointed under this section.