Power of appointed person to obtain informationE+W
21(1)A person appointed by the [F1Relevant Authority] under paragraph 20 to conduct an inquiry (or, if more than one person is so appointed, each of those persons) has, for the purposes of the inquiry, the same powers as are conferred on the [F1Relevant Authority] by section 30 (general power to obtain information).E+W
(2)Where by virtue of a notice under that section given by an appointed person any documents are produced to any person, the person to whom they are produced may take copies of or make extracts from them.
(3)Section 31 (enforcement of notice to provide information, &c.) applies in relation to a notice given under this paragraph by an appointed person as it applies in relation to a notice given under section 30 by the [F1Relevant Authority]. [F2 , but subject to sub-paragraph (4). ]
[F3(4)A person guilty of an offence under section 31(1) as it applies in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) is liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or both.
(5)Any person who, in purported compliance with a notice given under this paragraph by an appointed person, knowingly or recklessly provides any information which is false or misleading in a material particular commits an offence and is liable to the penalties mentioned in sub-paragraph (4).
(6)Proceedings for an offence under sub-paragraph (5) may be brought only by or with the consent of the Relevant Authority or the Director of Public Prosecutions.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Pt. I substituted (1.11.1998) by 1998 c. 38, s. 140, Sch. 16 para. 82(1)(2) (with ss. 139(2), 141(1), 143(2)); S.I. 1998/2244, art.5.
F2Words in Sch. 1 para. 21(3) added (18.1.2005) by Housing Act 2004 (c. 34), s. 270(3)(c), Sch. 11 para. 26(2) (with Sch. 11 para. 26(4))
F3Sch. 1 para. 21(4)-(6) inserted (18.1.2005) by Housing Act 2004 (c. 34), s. 270(3)(c), Sch. 11 para. 26(3) (with Sch. 11 para. 26(4))