The research and investigation function 4 (1) Consumer Scotland may obtain, analyse, and keep under review— 15 (a) information about consumer matters, (b) information about the views of consumers on consumer matters, and (c) information of such other description as may be prescribed by the Scottish Ministers by regulations. (2) Consumer Scotland may also undertake investigations— 20 (a) into business sectors or practices which it considers cause, or may cause, harm to consumers, or (b) otherwise for the purpose of fulfilling its general function. 5 The information function (1) Consumer Scotland may provide or secure the provision of advice and information to 25 consumers— (a) about Consumer Scotland and its functions, (b) about consumer matters (as they relate to consumers generally or individually), and (c) about such other matters as may be prescribed by the Scottish Ministers by 30 regulations. (2) In exercising the power conferred by subsection (1), Consumer Scotland may (among other things)— (a) publish or otherwise make available information in any manner Consumer Scotland considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of 35 those likely to have an interest in it, (b) support (financially or otherwise), facilitate or co-ordinate the activities of other persons.