Social Security Act 1975

145 Duty to submit to inspection

(1) In accordance with this section, persons shall furnish to an inspector all such information, and produce for his inspection all such documents, as he may reasonably require for the purpose of ascertaining—

(a) whether any contributions under this Act are or have been payable, or have been duly paid, by or in respect of any person; or

(b) whether benefit is or was payable to or in respect of any person.

(2) The following persons are under the duty imposed by subsection (1) above—

(a) the occupier of any premises liable to inspection under this Act;

(b) any person who is or has been employing another ;

(c) any person carrying on an agency or other business for the introduction or supply to persons requiting them of persons available to do work or perform services;

(d) the servants or agents of any such person as is specified in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above ; and

(e) any person who is or has been liable to pay such contributions;

but no one shall be required under this section to answer any questions or to give any evidence tending to incriminate himself or, in the case of a person who is married, his or her spouse.

(3) If a person—

(a) Wilfully delays or obstructs an inspector in the exercise of any power under this Act; or

(b) refuses or neglects to answer any question or to furnish any information or to produce any document when required so to do under this Act;

he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not more than £50.

(4) Where a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (3)(b) above and the refusal or neglect is continued by him after his conviction, he shall be guilty of a further offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not more than £10 for each day on which it is so continued.