(1) The Minister may, before exercising any power conferred on him by this Act, cause a public inquiry to be held into the matter which is the subject of the exercise of such power and appoint a fit and proper person to hold such inquiry, and every person who, in the opinion of the person appointed to hold any such inquiry, is substantially interested in the subject matter of such inquiry shall be entitled to appear and be heard at such inquiry.

(2) Evidence given at a public inquiry held under this section shall, if the person holding such inquiry so requires, be given on oath (which such person is hereby empowered to administer) and any person who gives false evidence at such inquiry shall be guilty of perjury and punishable accordingly.