126 Power of Secretary of State to obtain information in connection with applications.E+W+S
(1)Where an application is made to the Secretary of State under section 122 or 123 in respect of a debt owed, or contributions to an occupational pension scheme [F1or a personal pension scheme] falling to be made, by an employer, the Secretary of State may require—
(a)the employer to provide him with such information as the Secretary of State may reasonably require for the purpose of determining whether the application is well-founded; and
(b)any person having the custody or control of any relevant records or other documents to produce for examination on behalf of the Secretary of State any such document in that person’s custody or under his control which is of such a description as the Secretary of State may require.
(2)Any such requirement shall be made by notice in writing given to the person on whom the requirement is imposed and may be varied or revoked by a subsequent notice so given.
(3)If a person refuses or wilfully neglects to furnish any information or produce any document which he has been required to furnish or produce by a notice under this section he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F2level 3 on the standard scale].
(4)If a person, in purporting to comply with a requirement of a notice under this section, knowingly or recklessly makes any false statement he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F2level 5 on the standard scale].
Textual Amendments
F1Words inserted by Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50, SIF 113:1), s. 86(1), Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 31(1)(d)
F2Words substituted by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46 and Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1972 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289F, 289G (as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 54)