8.—(1) Where it is expedient that the Minister, or any other person that the Minister may appoint to exercise the powers conferred upon the Minister by this Part, should be informed on any matter connected with the discipline, administration or functions of any prison or affecting any prisoner, the Minister or the person appointed by the Minister may convene a committee of inquiry.
(2) A committee of inquiry must inquire into and report on the facts relating to any matter referred to it and, if directed by the Minister to do so, express its opinion on any question arising out of any such matter.
(3) In this Part, “Minister” includes the person appointed by the Minister under subsection (1) to act on the Minister’s behalf for the purposes of this Part.