7.—(1) For the purposes of carrying out investigations into the causes and circumstances of accidents under these Regulations the Minister may appoint persons to be Inspectors of Accidents, one of whom shall be appointed by him as the Chief Inspector of Accidents.
(2) The Chief Inspector, if he thinks fit, may himself carry out an investigation or cause an investigation to be carried out by an Inspector of any accident to which these Regulations apply whether or not such accident is a notifiable accident.
(3) Without prejudice to the power of an Inspector to seek such advice or assistance as he may think necessary in making an investigation, the Minister may at the request of the Chief Inspector appoint persons to assist any Inspector in a particular investigation and such persons shall for the purpose of so doing have such of the powers of an Inspector under these Regulations as may be laid down in their appointment.
(4) Where the Minister is of the opinion that it would be desirable for public notice to be given that an investigation is taking place, he may do so in such manner as he may think fit. The notice shall state that any person who desires to make representations concerning the circumstances or causes of the accident may do so in writing within a time to be specified in the notice.
(5) The main object of the investigation is to ascertain the causes thereof with a view to prevent future accidents and not to apportion blame or liability on any party involved.