10. Power of Director to make inquiries

Where an application is made under section 9, the Director may —

make such inquiries as he thinks fit as to the means and condition of the applicant and as to the merits of the case;

require the applicant to furnish such information and such documents as the Director may require for the purpose of considering the application;

require the applicant to attend personally;

refer the application or any matter arising out of the application to any solicitor whose name is on the appropriate panel maintained pursuant to section 4 to investigate the facts and make a report thereon or to give any opinion thereon or on any question of law arising out of the application;

take or cause to be taken such steps as may be necessary to conserve the interests of the applicant pending determination of his application;

defray expenses incidental to any of the foregoing matters out of any funds in his control which are available for the purpose.