(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a local policing body may provide advice and assistance—
(a) to an international organisation or institution, or
(b) to any other person or body which is engaged outside the United Kingdom in the carrying on of activities similar to any carried on by the body or the chief officer of police for its area.
(2) The power conferred on a local policing body by subsection (1) includes a power to make arrangements under which a member of the police force maintained by the body is engaged for a period of temporary service with a person or body within paragraph (a) or (b) of that subsection.
(3) The power conferred by subsection (1) shall not be exercised except with the consent of the Secretary of State or in accordance with a general authorisation given by him.
(4) A consent or authorisation under subsection (3) may be given subject to such conditions as appear to the Secretary of State to be appropriate.
(5) Nothing in this section authorises a local policing body to provide any financial assistance by—
(a) making a grant or loan,
(b) giving a guarantee or indemnity, or
(c) investing by acquiring share or loan capital.
(6) A local policing body may make charges for advice or assistance provided by it under this section.
(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(8) The provisions of this section are without prejudice to the Police (Overseas Service) Act 1945 . . . .