46. (1) If, in the opinion of the Government, a local authority has shown its incompetence to perform, or has persistently made default in the performance of, any duty imposed, or has exceeded or abused any power conferred, upon it by or under this Ordinance, and such incompetence, default, excess or abuse is to the detriment of the general interests of the consumers of food in the local area within the jurisdiction of such authority, the Government may, by notification in the official Gazette and after affording the local authority an opportunity of being heard, suspend the performance or exercise by the local authority of that duty or power, as the case may be, for such period as may be specified in the notification, and shall thereupon take such action as it thinks fit for the performance of that duty or the exercise of that power. (2) The cost of any action taken by the Government under sub-section (1) shall be paid from the funds of the local authority concerned.