16   Acting Chairperson

(1)  The Governor may appoint an officer of the Public Service to act in the office of Chairperson while the Chairperson is absent from duty through illness or for any other cause or while there is a vacancy in the office of the Chairperson.

(2)  A person appointed under subsection (1) may not act as Chairperson if there is a person who is appointed to act as Commissioner and who is available to exercise his or her functions as Chairperson.

(3)  A person appointed under this section, while acting as Chairperson, shall be deemed to be the Chairperson and shall have and may exercise the functions of the Chairperson.

(4)  No person shall be concerned to inquire whether or not any occasion has arisen in which a person appointed under this section is authorised to act as Chairperson, and all acts or things done or omitted by the person while so acting shall be as valid and effectual and shall have the same consequences as if they had been done or omitted by the Chairperson.