Information and reports by the Secretary of State
8.—(1) Within 8 weeks of the case being listed for hearing, and subject to paragraph (2) and rule 9, the Secretary of State shall serve on the Commissioners and the prisoner or the prisoner’s representative:
(a)the information specified in Part A of Schedule 1;
(b)the reports specified in Part B of that Schedule; and
(c)such further information as the Secretary of State considers to be relevant to the case.
(2) Any part of the information or reports referred to in paragraph (1) which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, should be withheld from the prisoner on the ground that its disclosure would adversely affect the health or welfare of the prisoner or any other person, shall be recorded in a separate document and served only on the Commissioners together with the reasons for believing that its disclosure would have that effect.
(3) Where a document is withheld from the prisoner in accordance with paragraph (2), it shall nevertheless be served as soon as practicable on the prisoner’s representative if that representative is:
(a)a barrister or solicitor;
(b)a registered medical practitioner; or
(c)a person whom the single Commissioner, or the chairman of the panel, directs is suitable by virtue of experience or professional qualification;
provided that no information disclosed in accordance with this paragraph shall be disclosed either directly or indirectly to the prisoner or to any other person without the authority of the single Commissioner, or the chairman of the panel.