(1)For the purposes of this Act, the general rule is that a person (“R”) is to be regarded as not having incurred expenditure to the extent that it has been, or is to be, met (directly or indirectly) by—
(a)a public body, or
(b)a person other than R.
(2)In this Chapter “public body” means the Crown or any government or public or local authority (whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere).
(3)The general rule does not apply for the purposes of Part 9 (dredging allowances).
(4)The general rule is subject to the exceptions in sections 534 to 536.