reg 15 Miscellaneous functions
(1) The Branch may conduct studies into, monitor and analyse any matter it considers may be relevant to the effective investigation of accidents or incidents including— (a) the responses of those persons to whom the recommendations of the Branch are addressed; (b) technological and other developments; and (c) statistics and trends relating to the railway industry including those relating to accidents and incidents. (2) In order to assist the Branch in carrying out the activities described in paragraph (1), the Chief Inspector may request assistance or information from— (a) a constable, the safety authority, any public body or any other person exercising a power conferred on him by an enactment, or a constable, a procurator fiscal or the Lord Advocate exercising a power conferred on him at common law in Scotland, an accident investigating body of another ... State ...; or (b) any other person, at times and in a manner the Chief Inspector may reasonably determine. (3) The Secretary of State may pay reasonable compensation to a person who assists the Chief Inspector pursuant to paragraph (2). (4) The Chief Inspector may arrange for the publication, in such form and in such manner as he considers appropriate, of such information and advice as is relevant to the general aims of the Branch referred to in section 4 of the 2003 Act. (5) The Branch must use its best endeavours to exchange information and views with similar investigation bodies established in other States for the purpose of— (a) improving railway and train safety; (b) developing and improving investigation methods; (c) adapting to, and keeping up to date with, technical and scientific progress in relation to railway and train safety and investigation methods.