Section 12: Technical advisory committee

12. Technical advisory committee (1) The Minister may at any time set up such technical advisory committee as he thinks fit to advise him on matters pertaining to the scientific and technical aspects of environmental protection and management. (2) A technical advisory committee set up under subsection (1) shall— (a) consist of members appointed by the Minister; (b) provide advice on any matter specified by the Minister; (c) obtain such assistance from the Director as may reasonably be required to carry out its functions; (d) be discharged on submission of its opinion on the matter referred to it, unless the Minister— (i) requests for further advice; or (ii) otherwise directs; (e) regulate its meetings and proceedings in such manner as it thinks fit. (3) Any person having a sound technical knowledge of the matter on which advice is required may be appointed by the Minister on a technical advisory committee on such terms and conditions as he may determine. (4) A person appointed under subsection (3)— (a) shall not be deemed to hold a public office solely by virtue of his appointment on the committee; (b) shall be under the duty of confidentiality provided under section 94.