(1)    The Secretary of State may make regulations requiring equipment used by SOCA to satisfy such requirements as to design and performance as may be prescribed by the regulations.

(2)    The Secretary of State may by regulations make any of the following kinds of provision—

(a)    provision requiring SOCA, when using equipment for the purposes specified in the regulations, to use only—

(i)    the equipment which is specified in the regulations,

(ii)    equipment which is of a description so specified, or

(iii)    equipment which is of a type approved by the Secretary of State in accordance with the regulations;

(b)    provision prohibiting SOCA from using equipment of a type approved as mentioned in paragraph (a)(iii) except—

(i)    where the conditions subject to which the approval was given are satisfied, and

(ii)    in accordance with the other terms of that approval;

(c)    provision requiring equipment used by SOCA to comply with such conditions as may be specified in the regulations, or as may be approved by the Secretary of State in accordance with the regulations;

(d)    provision prohibiting SOCA from using equipment specified in the regulations, or any equipment of a description so specified.

(3)    Before making regulations under this section Secretary of State must consult—

(a)    SOCA, and

(b)    such other persons as he considers appropriate.

(4)    In this section “equipment” includes—

(a)    vehicles, and

(b)    headgear and protective and other clothing.