Prices Act 1974

9 (1) A duly authorised officer of a local weights and measures authority may, at all reasonable hours and on production, if required, of his credentials, exercise any of the powers specified in paragraph 3(2) above and any of the powers specified in sub-paragraph (2) below for the purpose of determining whether an offence under paragraph 5 above has been committed.

(2) The said powers are—

(a) a power to seize and detain any document or goods which the officer has reason to believe may be required as evidence in proceedings for such an offence ; and

(b) a power to seize and detain any goods if the officer has reason to believe that their examination is likely to produce evidence of the commission of any such offence.

(3) Any person who—

(a) wilfully obstructs an officer acting under this paragraph ; or

(b) wilfully fails to comply with a requirement imposed under this paragraph; or

(c) without reasonable cause fails to give to any officer acting under this paragraph any other assistance or information which the officer may reasonably require for the performance by the officer of his functions under this Schedule,

shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £400.

(4) Any person who, with intent to deceive, produces or gives, in compliance with a requirement under this paragraph, a document or information which to his knowledge is or may be misleading, false or deceptive in a material particular shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £400.

(5) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as requiring a person to answer any question or give any information if to do so might incriminate him or as authorising the taking of possession of any such document as is mentioned in paragraph 3(5) above which is in the possession of a barrister, advocate or solicitor.