31.—(1) The Minister may, by writing under his hand, delegate to any person, either generally or otherwise, all or any of his powers and functions under this Act or any regulations made thereunder except his powers under sections 3, 9, 14, 23 and 46; and any reference in this Act or those regulations to the Minister shall, unless the context otherwise requires, include a reference to a delegate.
(2) A delegate of the Minister is, in the exercise of his powers and the performance of his functions under this Act or any regulations made thereunder, other than in his being satisfied or having an opinion as to any matter, subject to the directions of the Minister.