117   Power to examine on oath

(1)  The Minister or an inspector may administer an oath to a person required to attend before the Minister or inspector in pursuance of section 116 and may examine that person on oath.

(2)  Where a person attending before the Minister or an inspector in pursuance of section 116 conscientiously objects to take an oath, the person may make an affirmation that the person conscientiously objects to take an oath and that the person will state the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth to all questions asked him.

(3)  An affirmation made under subsection (2) is of the same force and effect, and entails the same penalties, as an oath.