s 8 Research.
(1) The Secretary of State may conduct or assist other persons in conducting research into any matter connected with his functions or the functions of local authorities in relation to social welfare, and with the activities of voluntary organisations connected with those functions. (2) Any local authority may conduct or assist other persons in conducting research into any matter connected with their functions in relation to social welfare. (3) The Secretary of State and any local authority may make financial assistance available in connection with any research which they may conduct or which they may assist other persons in conducting under the provisions of this section.