Valid from 01/07/1997
Textual Amendments
F1Sch. 4 paras. 5A, 5B inserted (1.7.1997) by 1995 c. 51, s. 4, Sch. para. 20; S.I. 1997/1315, art. 2
5B(1)A justice of the peace (including, in Scotland, a sheriff) may issue a warrant under this paragraph if satisfied by the evidence on oath of at least two members of an Assessment Panel that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the panel will require a warrant for the purposes of carrying out an assessment required by virtue of rules made under paragraph 5A above.U.K.
(2)A warrant under this paragraph shall authorise one or more members of the Assessment Panel (who must, if so required, produce documents identifying themselves) together with any constables—
(a)to enter any building specified in the warrant, but not a dwelling-house, using such force as is reasonably necessary for the purpose, and
(b)to search the premises for the purposes of the exercise of the powers under paragraph 5A(5) above.
(3)A warrant under this paragraph shall continue in force until the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which it is issued.
(4)A person who intentionally obstructs the exercise of any rights conferred by a warrant issued under this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.]