Companies Act 1985

[F1 723B Confidentiality orders E+W+S

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, an individual may make an application under this section to the Secretary of State where the condition in subsection (2) is satisfied.

(2) That condition is that the individual—

(a) is or proposes to become a director, secretary or permanent representative of a relevant company; and

(b) considers that the availability for inspection by members of the public of particulars of his usual residential address creates, or (if an order is not made under this section) is likely to create, a serious risk that he or a person who lives with him will be subjected to violence or intimidation.

(3) Where, on an application made by an individual under this section, the Secretary of State is satisfied that the availability for inspection by members of the public of particulars of the individual’s usual residential address creates, or (if an order is not made under this section) is likely to create, a serious risk that the individual, or a person who lives with him, will be subjected to violence or intimidation, he shall make an order under this section (“a confidentiality order”) in relation to him.

(4) Otherwise, he shall dismiss the application.

(5) An application under this section shall specify, in relation to each company of which the individual is a director, secretary or permanent representative, an address satisfying such conditions as may be prescribed.

(6) The Secretary of State shall give the applicant notice of his decision under subsection (3) or (4); and a notice under this subsection shall be given within the prescribed period after the making of the decision and contain such information as may be prescribed.

(7) Regulations may make provision about applications for confidentiality orders; and the regulations may in particular—

(a) require the payment, on the making of an application, of such fees as may be specified in the regulations;

(b) make provision about the form and manner in which applications are to be made;

(c) provide that applications shall contain such information, and be accompanied by such evidence, as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct.

(8) Regulations may make provision—

(a) about the manner in which determinations are to be made under subsection (3) or (4);

(b) for questions to be referred to such persons as the Secretary of State thinks fit for the purposes of such determinations;

(c) about the review of such determinations;

(d) about the period for which confidentiality orders shall remain in force and the renewal of confidentiality orders.

(9) The Secretary of State may at any time revoke a confidentiality order if he is satisfied that such conditions as may be prescribed are satisfied.

(10) Regulations may make provision about the manner in which a determination under subsection (9) is to be made and notified to the individual concerned.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 723B-723F inserted (19.6.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 2.4.2002) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 45(2), 138(2); S.I. 2001/2223, art. 2(2)(c); S.I. 2002/533, art. 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Ss. 723B-723F applied (with modifications) (2.4.2002) by The Limited Liability Partnerships (No. 2) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/913) {art. 3}, Sch.