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Telecommunications Act 1984

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Changes to legislation:

Telecommunications Act 1984, Part VII is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 29 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

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Part VIIU.K. Miscellaneous and Supplemental

MiscellaneousU.K.

93 Grants to promote interests of disabled persons.U.K.

[F1(1)The Secretary of State may, with the approval of the Treasury, make grants for the purpose of defraying or contributing towards—

(a)any expenses which may be incurred by any person in supporting research into or the development of apparatus to which this section applies; or

(b)any fees incurred by any person in respect of the exercise in relation to apparatus to which this section applies of any function conferred by or under section 22 above.

(2)This section applies to—

(a)telecommunication apparatus which is constructed for use by disabled persons;

(b)telecommunication apparatus which is so constructed as to be capable of being adapted for such use; and

(c)apparatus by means of which telecommunication apparatus falling within paragraph (b) above may be so adapted.

(3)In making a grant under this section, the Secretary of State may impose such conditions as he thinks fit and may, in particular, impose a condition requiring the repayment of all or any part of the grant—

(a)if any other condition is not complied with; or

(b)in such other circumstances as he may specify.

(4)There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament any sums required by the Secretary of State for making grants under this section.

(5)Any sums received by the Secretary of State under subsection (3) above shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.]

Textual Amendments

F1S. 93 repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 398(4)(a), 406, 408, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

94 Directions in the interests of national security etc.U.K.

(1)The Secretary of State may, after consultation with a person to whom this section applies, give to that person such directions of a general character as appear to the Secretary of State to be [F2necessary] in the interests of national security or relations with the government of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom.

(2)If it appears to the Secretary of State to be [F3necessary] to do so in the interests of national security or relations with the government of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom, he may, after consultation with a person to whom this section applies, give to that person a direction requiring him (according to the circumstances of the case) to do, or not to do, a particular thing specified in the direction.

[F4(2A)The Secretary of State shall not give a direction under subsection (1) or (2) unless he believes that the conduct required by the direction is proportionate to what is sought to be achieved by that conduct.]

(3)A person to whom this section applies shall give effect to any direction given to him by the Secretary of State under this section notwithstanding any other duty imposed on him by or under [F5Part 1 or Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Communications Act 2003 and, in the case of a direction to a provider of a public electronic communications network, notwithstanding that it relates to him in a capacity other than as the provider of such a network].

(4)The Secretary of State shall lay before each House of Parliament a copy of every direction given under this section unless he is of opinion that disclosure of the direction is against the interests of national security or relations with the government of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom, or the commercial interests of any person.

(5)A person shall not disclose, or be required by virtue of any enactment or otherwise to disclose, anything done by virtue of this section if the Secretary of State has notified him that the Secretary of State is of the opinion that disclosure of that thing is against the interests of national security or relations with the government of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom, or the commercial interests of some other person.

(6)The Secretary of State may, with the approval of the Treasury, make grants to [F6providers of public electronic communications networks] for the purpose of defraying or contributing towards any losses they may sustain by reason of compliance with the directions given under this section.

(7)There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament any sums required by the Secretary of State for making grants under this section.

(8)This section applies to [F7OFCOM and to providers of public electronic communications networks.]

Textual Amendments

F2Words in s. 94(1) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes and 18.9.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003, (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, {Sch. 17 para. 70(2)} (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2, 3(1), Sch. 1, Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

F3Words in s. 94(2) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes and 18.9.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003, (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, {Sch. 17 para. 70(3)} (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2, 3(1), Sch. 1, Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

F4S. 94(2A) inserted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes and 18.9.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003, (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, {Sch. 17 para. 70(4)} (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2, 3(1), Sch. 1, Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

F5Words in s. 94(3) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes and 18.9.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003, (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, {Sch. 17 para. 70(5)} (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2, 3(1), Sch. 1, Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

F6Words in s. 94(6) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes and 18.9.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003, (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, {Sch. 17 para. 70(6)} (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2, 3(1), Sch. 1, Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

F7Words in s. 94(8) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes and 18.9.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003, (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, {Sch. 17 para. 70(7)} (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2, 3(1), Sch. 1, Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

95 Orders under the 1973 and 1980 Acts.U.K.

[F8[F9(1)Where the Office of Fair Trading, the Commission or (as the case may be) the Secretary of State (in this section “the relevant authority”) makes a relevant order, the order may also provide for the revocation or modification of licences granted under section 7 above to such extent as may appear to the relevant authority to be requisite or expedient for the purpose of giving effect to, or taking account of, any provision made by the order.

(2)In subsection (1) above, “relevant order” means—

(a)an order under section 75, 83 or 84 of, or paragraph 5, 10 or 11 of Schedule 7 to, the Enterprise Act 2002 where—

(i)one or more than one of the enterprises which have, or may have, ceased to be distinct enterprises was engaged in the carrying on of a commercial activity connected with telecommunications; or

(ii)one or more than one of the enterprises which will or may cease to be distinct enterprises is engaged in the carrying on of a commercial activity connected with telecommunications; or

(b)an order under section 160 or 161 of that Act where the feature, or combination of features, of the market in the United Kingdom for goods or services which prevents, restricts or distorts competition relates to commercial activities connected with telecommunications.]

[F10(3)Expressions used in subsection (2) above and in Part 3 or (as the case may be) Part 4 of the Enterprise Act 2002 have the same meanings in that subsection as in that Part.]]

Prospective

96 Prohibitions and restrictions applying to lessees with respect to telecommunications.U.K.

[F11(1)Subject to subsection (4) below, where any provision contained in a lease to which this section applies, or in any agreement made with respect to premises to which such a lease relates, has the effect of imposing on the lessee any prohibition or restriction with respect to any of the matters falling within subsection (3) below, that provision shall have effect in relation to things which are done—

(a)inside a building, or part of a building, occupied by the lessee under the lease, or

(b)for purposes connected with the provision to the lessee by any telecommunications operator of any telecommunication services,

as if the prohibition or restriction applied only where the lessor has not given his consent in relation to the matter in question and as if the lessor were required not to withhold that consent unreasonably.

(2)Where a provision of a lease or agreement imposes (whether by virtue of this section or otherwise) a requirement on the lessor under a lease not to withhold his consent unreasonably in relation to any matter falling within subsection (3) below, the question whether that consent is unreasonably withheld shall be determined having regard to all the circumstances and to the principle that no person should unreasonably be denied access to a telecommunication system.

(3)The matters falling within this subsection are—

(a)the running of relevant telecommunication systems;

(b)the connection of any telecommunication apparatus to a relevant telecommunication system or of relevant telecommunication systems to each other; and

(c)the installation, maintenance, adjustment, repair, alteration or use, for purposes connected with the running of a relevant telecommunication system, of any telecommunication apparatus.

(4)The Secretary of State may by order provide, in relation to such cases, prohibitions or restrictions as are specified in the order, or are of a description so specified, that subsection (1) above shall not apply.

(5)This section applies to any lease for a term of a year or more granted on or after the day on which this section comes into force; but the Secretary of State may by order provide that this section shall apply, subject to such transitional provisions as may be contained in the order, to leases granted before that day.

(6)This section is without prejudice to paragraph 2(3) of the telecommunications code.

(7)In this section—

  • alteration” and “telecommunication apparatus” have the same meanings as in Schedule 2 to this Act;

  • lease” includes any leasehold tenancy (whether in the nature of a head lease, sub-lease or under lease) and any agreement to grant such a tenancy, and cognate expressions, and references to the grant of a lease, shall be construed accordingly;

  • relevant telecommunications system” means a public telecommunication system or a telecommunication system specified for the purposes of this section in an order made by the Secretary of State, or a telecommunication system which is, or is to be, connected to a public telecommunication system or to a system so specified.]

Textual Amendments

F11S. 96 repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, otherwise prosp.) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)))

97 Contributions by local authorities towards provision of facilities.U.K.

[F12(1)Where a local authority consider that it would be for the benefit of the whole or any part of their area that—

(a)any additional telecommunication facilities should be provided; or

(b)any existing telecommunication facilities should continue to be provided,

by a public telecommunications operator, whether within or outside the area to be benefited, the authority may undertake to pay to that operator any loss he may sustain by reason of the provision or continued provision of those facilities.

(2)In the application of this section to Scotland, nothing in subsection (1) above shall authorise the giving of an undertaking as respects the provision or continued provision of facilities outside the area to be benefited.

(3)In this section “local authority”—

(a)in relation to England F13. . ., means a county council, F14, a district council, a London borough council, the Common Council of the City of London [F15or], a parish council F16. . .;

[F17(aa)in relation to Wales, means a county council, a county borough council or a community council;]

(b)in relation to Scotland, means a [F18council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994];

(c)in relation to Northern Ireland, means a district council.]

98 Use of certain conduits for telecommunication purposes.E+W

(1)The functions of an authority with control of a relevant conduit shall include the power—

(a)to carry out, or to authorise another person to carry out, any works in relation to that conduit for or in connection with the installation, maintenance, adjustment, repair or alteration of [F19electronic communications apparatus];

(b)to keep [F19electronic communications apparatus] installed in that conduit or to authorise any other person to keep [F19electronic communications apparatus] so installed;

(c)to authorise any person to enter that conduit to inspect [F19electronic communications apparatus] kept installed there;

(d)to enter into agreements, on such terms (including terms as to the payments to be made to the authority) as it thinks fit, in connection with the doing of anything authorised by or under this section; and

(e)to carry on an ancillary business consisting in the making and carrying out of such agreements.

(2)Where any enactment or subordinate legislation expressly or impliedly imposes any limitation on the use to which a relevant conduit may be put, that limitation shall not have effect so as to prohibit the doing of anything authorised by or under this section.

(3)Where the doing by an authority with control of a public sewer of anything authorised by this section would, apart from this subsection, constitute a contravention of any obligation imposed (whether by virtue of any conveyance or agreement or otherwise) on the authority, the doing of that thing shall not constitute such a contravention to the extent that it consists in, or in authorising, the carrying out of works or inspections, or keeping of apparatus, wholly inside a public sewer.

(4)Subject to subsections (2) and (3) above, subsection (1) above is without prejudice to the rights of any person with an interest in land on, under or over which a relevant conduit is situated.

(5)Without prejudice to subsections (1) to (4) above, the Secretary of State may by order provide for any local Act under or in accordance with which any conduits (whether or not relevant conduits) are kept installed in streets to be amended in such manner as appears to him requisite or expedient for securing—

(a)that there is power for those conduits to be used for [F20the purposes of any electronic communications network or of any electronic communications service];

(b)that the terms (including terms as to payment) on which those conduits are used for those purposes are reasonable; and

(c)that the use of those conduits for those purposes is not unreasonably inhibited (whether directly or indirectly) by reason of the terms of any consent, licence or agreement which has been given, granted or made in relation to any of those conduits for the purposes of that Act.

(6)In this section “relevant conduit” means—

(a)any conduit which, whether or not it is itself an electric line, is maintained by an electricity authority for the purpose of enclosing, surrounding or supporting such a line, including where such a conduit is connected to any box, chamber or other structure (including a building) maintained by an electricity authority for purposes connected with the conveyance, transmission or distribution of electricity, that box, chamber or structure; or

(b)a water main or any other conduit maintained by a water authority for the purpose of conveying water from one place to another; or

(c)a public sewer; or

(d)a culvert which is a designated watercourse within the meaning of the M1Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973.

(7)In this section a reference to the authority with control of a relevant conduit—

(a)in relation to a conduit or structure falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (6) above, shall be construed as a reference to the authority by whom the conduit or structure is maintained;

(b)in relation to a public sewer, shall be construed, subject to subsection (8) below, as a reference to the [F21 person] in whom the sewer is vested; and

(c)in relation to a culvert falling within paragraph (d) of subsection (6) above, shall be construed as a reference to the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland.

(8)Where—

(a)the functions of an authority with control of a public sewer are, in pursuance of any enactment, discharged on its behalf by [F22another person], and

(b)the [F23other person] is authorised by the authority with control of the sewer to act on its behalf for the purposes of the matters referred to in subsection (1) above,

this section shall have effect in relation to that sewer as if any reference to the authority with control of the sewer included, to such extent as may be necessary for the [F23other person] so to act, a reference to the [F23other person].

(9)In this section—

  • alteration”, “ street[F24and “ telecommunication apparatus] have the same meanings as in Schedule 2 to this Act;

  • conduit” includes a tunnel or subway;

  • electric line”—

    (a)

    in Great Britain, has the same meaning as in [F25the Electricity Act 1989]; and

    (b)

    in Northern Ireland, has the same meaning as in the [F26Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992];

  • electricity authority” means [F27a person authorised by a licence under Part I of the Electricity Act 1989 to transmit or supply electricity] or [F28a person authorised by a licence under Part II of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 to transmit or supply electricity];

  • public sewer”—

    (a)

    in England and Wales, has the same meaning as in the M2Public Health Act 1936;

    (b)

    in Scotland, means any sewer which is vested in a [F29sewerage authority]; and

    (c)

    in Northern Ireland, means a sewer as defined in the M3Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973;

  • [F30sewerage authority” shall be construed in accordance with section 62 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994;]

  • subordinate legislation” means any subordinate legislation within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978 or any instrument, as defined in section 1 of the M4Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954;

  • water authority”—

    (a)

    [F31in England and Wales, means the National Rivers Authority or a water undertaker;]

    (b)

    in Scotland, [F32shall be construed in accordance with section 62 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994]; and

    (c)

    in Northern Ireland, means the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland;

  • water main”—

    (a)

    [F33in England and Wales, means a water main [F34or resource main within the meaning of the Water Industry Act 1991];]

    (b)

    in Scotland, means a main within the meaning of the M5Water (Scotland) Act 1980; and

    (c)

    in Northern Ireland, means a main within the meaning of the M6Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973.

Extent Information

E1This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; separate versions have been created for Scotland only and Northern Ireland only.

Textual Amendments

F19Words in s. 98(1) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 for further specified purposes) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 71(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

F20Words in s. 98(5)(a) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 for further specified purposes) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 71(3); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

F24Words in s. 98(9) repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F26Words in s. 98(9) substituted (N.I.) (1.4.1992) by S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1), art. 95(1), Sch. 12, para. 28(a); S.R. 1992/117, art. 3(1)

F28Words in s. 98(9) substituted (N.I.) (1.4.1992) by S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1), art. 95(1), Sch. 12 para. 28(b); S.R. 1992/117, art. 3(1)

F29Words in para. (b) in definition of "public sewer" in s. 98(9) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 133(3)(a); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(b)(c)

F30Definition of "sewerage authority" in s. 98(9) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 133(3)(b); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(b)(c)

F31Para. (a) of definition of "water authority" in s. 98(9) substituted (E.W.) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 25 para. 68(c)(i), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58

F32Words in para. (b) in definition of water authority in s. 98(9) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 133(3)(c); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(b)(c)

F33Para. (a) of definition of "water main" in s. 98(9) substituted (E.W.) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 25 para. 68(c)(ii), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58

F34Words in para. (a) in definition of 'water main' in s. 98(9) substituted (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 2(1), 4(2), Sch. 1 para. 38(1)

Marginal Citations

98 Use of certain conduits for telecommunication purposes.N.I.

(1)The functions of an authority with control of a relevant conduit shall include the power—

(a)to carry out, or to authorise another person to carry out, any works in relation to that conduit for or in connection with the installation, maintenance, adjustment, repair or alteration of [F19electronic communications apparatus];

(b)to keep [F19electronic communications apparatus] installed in that conduit or to authorise any other person to keep [F19electronic communications apparatus] so installed;

(c)to authorise any person to enter that conduit to inspect [F19electronic communications apparatus] kept installed there;

(d)to enter into agreements, on such terms (including terms as to the payments to be made to the authority) as it thinks fit, in connection with the doing of anything authorised by or under this section; and

(e)to carry on an ancillary business consisting in the making and carrying out of such agreements.

(2)Where any enactment or subordinate legislation expressly or impliedly imposes any limitation on the use to which a relevant conduit may be put, that limitation shall not have effect so as to prohibit the doing of anything authorised by or under this section.

(3)Where the doing by an authority with control of a public sewer of anything authorised by this section would, apart from this subsection, constitute a contravention of any obligation imposed (whether by virtue of any conveyance or agreement or otherwise) on the authority, the doing of that thing shall not constitute such a contravention to the extent that it consists in, or in authorising, the carrying out of works or inspections, or keeping of apparatus, wholly inside a public sewer.

(4)Subject to subsections (2) and (3) above, subsection (1) above is without prejudice to the rights of any person with an interest in land on, under or over which a relevant conduit is situated.

(5)Without prejudice to subsections (1) to (4) above, the Secretary of State may by order provide for any local Act under or in accordance with which any conduits (whether or not relevant conduits) are kept installed in streets to be amended in such manner as appears to him requisite or expedient for securing—

(a)that there is power for those conduits to be used for [F20the purposes of any electronic communications network or of any electronic communications service];

(b)that the terms (including terms as to payment) on which those conduits are used for those purposes are reasonable; and

(c)that the use of those conduits for those purposes is not unreasonably inhibited (whether directly or indirectly) by reason of the terms of any consent, licence or agreement which has been given, granted or made in relation to any of those conduits for the purposes of that Act.

(6)In this section “relevant conduit” means—

(a)any conduit which, whether or not it is itself an electric line, is maintained by an electricity authority for the purpose of enclosing, surrounding or supporting such a line, including where such a conduit is connected to any box, chamber or other structure (including a building) maintained by an electricity authority for purposes connected with the conveyance, transmission or distribution of electricity, that box, chamber or structure; or

(b)a water main or any other conduit maintained by a water authority for the purpose of conveying water from one place to another; or

(c)a public sewer; or

(d)a culvert which is a designated watercourse within the meaning of the M12Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973.

(7)In this section a reference to the authority with control of a relevant conduit—

(a)in relation to a conduit or structure falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (6) above, shall be construed as a reference to the authority by whom the conduit or structure is maintained;

(b)in relation to a public sewer, shall be construed, subject to subsection (8) below, as a reference to the authority in whom the sewer is vested; and

(c)in relation to a culvert falling within paragraph (d) of subsection (6) above, shall be construed as a reference to the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland.

(8)Where—

(a)the functions of an authority with control of a public sewer are, in pursuance of any enactment, discharged on its behalf by another authority , and

(b)the other authority is authorised by the authority with control of the sewer to act on its behalf for the purposes of the matters referred to in subsection (1) above,

this section shall have effect in relation to that sewer as if any reference to the authority with control of the sewer included, to such extent as may be necessary for the other authority so to act, a reference to the other authority .

(9)In this section—

  • alteration”, “ street[F24and “ telecommunication apparatus] have the same meanings as in Schedule 2 to this Act;

  • conduit” includes a tunnel or subway;

  • electric line”—

    (a)

    in Great Britain, has the same meaning as in [F86the Electricity Act 1989]; and

    (b)

    in Northern Ireland, has the same meaning as in the [F87Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992];

  • electricity authority” means [F88a person authorised by a licence under Part I of the Electricity Act 1989 to transmit or supply electricity] or [F89a person authorised by a licence under Part II of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 to transmit or supply electricity];

  • public sewer”—

    (a)

    in England and Wales, has the same meaning as in the M13Public Health Act 1936;

    (b)

    in Scotland, means any sewer which is vested in a [F29sewerage authority]; and

    (c)

    in Northern Ireland, means a sewer as defined in the M14Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973;

  • [F30sewerage authority” shall be construed in accordance with section 62 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994;]

  • subordinate legislation” means any subordinate legislation within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978 or any instrument, as defined in section 1 of the M15Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954;

  • water authority”—

    (a)

    [F90in England and Wales, means the National Rivers Authority or a water undertaker;]

    (b)

    in Scotland, [F32shall be construed in accordance with section 62 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994]; and

    (c)

    in Northern Ireland, means the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland;

  • water main”—

    (a)

    [F33in England and Wales, means a water main [F34or resource main within the meaning of the Water Industry Act 1991];]

    (b)

    in Scotland, means a main within the meaning of the M16Water (Scotland) Act 1980; and

    (c)

    in Northern Ireland, means a main within the meaning of the M17Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973.

Extent Information

E2This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; separate versions have been created for England and Wales only and Scotland only.

Textual Amendments

F19Words in s. 98(1) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 for further specified purposes) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 71(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

F20Words in s. 98(5)(a) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 for further specified purposes) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 71(3); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

F24Words in s. 98(9) repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F29Words in para. (b) in definition of "public sewer" in s. 98(9) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 133(3)(a); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(b)(c)

F30Definition of "sewerage authority" in s. 98(9) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 133(3)(b); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(b)(c)

F32Words in para. (b) in definition of water authority in s. 98(9) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 133(3)(c); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(b)(c)

F33Para. (a) of definition of "water main" in s. 98(9) substituted (E.W.) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 25 para. 68(c)(ii), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58

F34Words in para. (a) in definition of 'water main' in s. 98(9) substituted (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 2(1), 4(2), Sch. 1 para. 38(1)

F90Para. (a) of definition of "water authority" in s. 98(9) substituted (E.W.) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 25 para. 68(c)(i), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58

Marginal Citations

98 Use of certain conduits for telecommunication purposes.S

(1)The functions of an authority with control of a relevant conduit shall include the power—

(a)to carry out, or to authorise another person to carry out, any works in relation to that conduit for or in connection with the installation, maintenance, adjustment, repair or alteration of [F19electronic communications apparatus];

(b)to keep [F19electronic communications apparatus] installed in that conduit or to authorise any other person to keep [F19electronic communications apparatus] so installed;

(c)to authorise any person to enter that conduit to inspect [F19electronic communications apparatus] kept installed there;

(d)to enter into agreements, on such terms (including terms as to the payments to be made to the authority) as it thinks fit, in connection with the doing of anything authorised by or under this section; and

(e)to carry on an ancillary business consisting in the making and carrying out of such agreements.

(2)Where any enactment or subordinate legislation expressly or impliedly imposes any limitation on the use to which a relevant conduit may be put, that limitation shall not have effect so as to prohibit the doing of anything authorised by or under this section.

(3)Where the doing by an authority with control of a public sewer of anything authorised by this section would, apart from this subsection, constitute a contravention of any obligation imposed (whether by virtue of any conveyance or agreement or otherwise) on the authority, the doing of that thing shall not constitute such a contravention to the extent that it consists in, or in authorising, the carrying out of works or inspections, or keeping of apparatus, wholly inside a public sewer.

(4)Subject to subsections (2) and (3) above, subsection (1) above is without prejudice to the rights of any person with an interest in land on, under or over which a relevant conduit is situated.

(5)Without prejudice to subsections (1) to (4) above, the Secretary of State may by order provide for any local Act under or in accordance with which any conduits (whether or not relevant conduits) are kept installed in [F91roads] to be amended in such manner as appears to him requisite or expedient for securing—

(a)that there is power for those conduits to be used for [F20the purposes of any electronic communications network or of any electronic communications service];

(b)that the terms (including terms as to payment) on which those conduits are used for those purposes are reasonable; and

(c)that the use of those conduits for those purposes is not unreasonably inhibited (whether directly or indirectly) by reason of the terms of any consent, licence or agreement which has been given, granted or made in relation to any of those conduits for the purposes of that Act.

(6)In this section “relevant conduit” means—

(a)any conduit which, whether or not it is itself an electric line, is maintained by an electricity authority for the purpose of enclosing, surrounding or supporting such a line, including where such a conduit is connected to any box, chamber or other structure (including a building) maintained by an electricity authority for purposes connected with the conveyance, transmission or distribution of electricity, that box, chamber or structure; or

(b)a water main or any other conduit maintained by a water authority for the purpose of conveying water from one place to another; or

(c)a public sewer; or

(d)a culvert which is a designated watercourse within the meaning of the M18Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973.

(7)In this section a reference to the authority with control of a relevant conduit—

(a)in relation to a conduit or structure falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (6) above, shall be construed as a reference to the authority by whom the conduit or structure is maintained;

(b)in relation to a public sewer, shall be construed, subject to subsection (8) below, as a reference to the person in whom the sewer is vested; and

(c)in relation to a culvert falling within paragraph (d) of subsection (6) above, shall be construed as a reference to the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland.

(8)Where—

(a)the functions of an authority with control of a public sewer are, in pursuance of any enactment, discharged on its behalf by another authority, and

(b)the other authority is authorised by the authority with control of the sewer to act on its behalf for the purposes of the matters referred to in subsection (1) above,

this section shall have effect in relation to that sewer as if any reference to the authority with control of the sewer included, to such extent as may be necessary for the other authority so to act, a reference to the other authority.

(9)In this section—

  • alteration”, “ [F92road][F24and “ telecommunication apparatus] have the same meanings as in Schedule 2 to this Act;

  • conduit” includes a tunnel or subway;

  • electric line”—

    (a)

    in Great Britain, has the same meaning as in [F93the Electricity Act 1989]; and

    (b)

    in Northern Ireland, has the same meaning as in the [F94Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992];

  • electricity authority” means [F95a person authorised by a licence under Part I of the Electricity Act 1989 to transmit or supply electricity] or [F96a person authorised by a licence under Part II of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 to transmit or supply electricity];

  • public sewer”—

    (a)

    in England and Wales, has the same meaning as in the M19Public Health Act 1936;

    (b)

    in Scotland, means any sewer which is vested in a [F29sewerage authority]; and

    (c)

    in Northern Ireland, means a sewer as defined in the M20Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973;

  • [F30sewerage authority” shall be construed in accordance with section 62 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994;]

  • subordinate legislation” means any subordinate legislation within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978 or any instrument, as defined in section 1 of the M21Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954;

  • water authority”—

    (a)

    [F97in England and Wales, means the National Rivers Authority or a water undertaker;]

    (b)

    in Scotland, [F32shall be construed in accordance with section 62 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994]; and

    (c)

    in Northern Ireland, means the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland;

  • water main”—

    (a)

    [F33in England and Wales, means a water main [F34or resource main within the meaning of the Water Industry Act 1991];]

    (b)

    in Scotland, means a main within the meaning of the M22Water (Scotland) Act 1980; and

    (c)

    in Northern Ireland, means a main within the meaning of the M23Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973.

Extent Information

E3This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; separate versions have been created for England and Wales only and Northern Ireland only.

Textual Amendments

F19Words in s. 98(1) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 for further specified purposes) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 71(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

F20Words in s. 98(5)(a) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 for further specified purposes) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 71(3); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

F24Words in s. 98(9) repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F29Words in para. (b) in definition of "public sewer" in s. 98(9) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 133(3)(a); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(b)(c)

F30Definition of "sewerage authority" in s. 98(9) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 133(3)(b); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(b)(c)

F32Words in para. (b) in definition of water authority in s. 98(9) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 133(3)(c); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(b)(c)

F33Para. (a) of definition of "water main" in s. 98(9) substituted (E.W.) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 25 para. 68(c)(ii), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58

F34Words in para. (a) in definition of 'water main' in s. 98(9) substituted (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 2(1), 4(2), Sch. 1 para. 38(1)

F92Word in s. 98(9) substituted (S.) by Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 54, SIF 108), Sch. 9 para. 92(3)(b)

F94Words in s. 98 substituted (N.I.) (1.4.1992) by S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1), art. 95(1), Sch. 12, para. 28 (a); S.R. 1992/117, art. 3(1)

F97Para. (a) of definition of "water authority" in s. 98(9) substituted (E.W.) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 25 para. 68(c)(i), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58

Marginal Citations

99

F35(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F36(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F36(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F35S. 99(1) repealed (26.3.2001) by 2000 c. 26, s. 127(6), Sch. 9; S.I. 2001/1148, art. 2, Sch. Table (with art. 34)

F36S. 99(2)(3) repealed (26.3.2001) by S.I. 2001/1149, arts. 1(2), 3(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 4(11))

F37100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.K.

SupplementalU.K.

101 General restrictions on disclosure of information.U.K.

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, no information with respect to any particular business which—

(a)has been obtained under or by virtue of the provisions of this Act [F38(except Part 6)]; and

(b)relates to the private affairs of any individual or to any particular business,

shall during the lifetime of that individual or so long as that business continues to be carried on, be disclosed without the consent of that individual or the person for the time being carrying on that business.

(2)Subsection (1) above does not apply to any disclosure of information which is made—

(a)for the purpose of facilitating the performance of any functions assigned [F39or transferred] to the Secretary of State [F40or OFCOM by or under this Act (except functions assigned by or under Part 6)];

(b)for the purpose of facilitating the performance of any functions of any Minister, any Northern Ireland department, the head of any such department, [F41the Office of Fair Trading][F42, the Commission][F43; the Director General of Water Services][F44the Director General of Electricity Supply][F45the Director General of Electricity Supply for Northern Ireland][F46or the Director General of Gas for Northern Ireland][F47the Rail Regulator][F48, the Civil Aviation Authority] or a local weights and measures authority in Great Britain under any of the enactments [F49or subordinate legislation] specified in subsection (3) below;

[F50(bb)for the purpose of facilitating the carrying out by the Comptroller and Auditor General of any of his functions under any enactment;]

(c)in connection with the investigation of any criminal offence or for the purposes of any criminal proceedings;

(d)for the purpose of any civil proceedings brought under or by virtue of this Act or any of the enactments [F49or subordinate legislation] specified in subsection (3) below; or

(e)in pursuance of a Community obligation.

(3)The enactments [F51and subordinate legislation] referred to in subsection (2) above are—

(a)the Trade Descriptions Act 1968;

(b)the 1973 Act;

(c)the Consumer Credit Act 1974;

F52(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F52(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f)the Estate Agents Act 1979; F53

(g)the 1980 Act.

[F54(h)the Consumer Protection Act 1987.]

[F55(i)the Consumer Protection (Northern Ireland) Order 1987.]

[F56(i)the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988]

[F57(j)the Water Act 1989.]

[F58(k)the Electricity Act 1989.]

[F59(l)the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.]

[F60(11)The Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996;]

[F61F62(m)the Railways Act 1993]

[F61(n)the Competition Act 1998]

[F63(o)Part I of the Transport Act 2000.]

[F64(p)the Enterprise Act 2002]

[F65(q)the Communications Act 2003 (excluding the provisions of that Act which are enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum within the meaning of that Act).]

(4)[F66Nothing in subsection (1) above shall be construed—

(a)as limiting the matters which may be published under section [F6727C or] 48 above or may be included in, or made public as part of, a report of the Director or of the Commission under this Act; or

(b)as applying to any information which has been so published or has been made public as part of such a report.]

(5)Any person who discloses any information in contravention of this section shall be guilty of an offence and liable—

(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or to both.

[F68(6)Information obtained by the Director in the exercise of functions which are exercisable concurrently with [F69the Office of Fair Trading] under Part I of the Competition Act 1998 is subject to [F70Part 9 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (Information)] and not to subsections (1) to (5) of this section.]

Textual Amendments

F38Words in s. 101(1)(a) inserted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, otherwise prosp.) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 72(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)))

F39Words in s. 101(2)(a) repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, otherwise prosp.) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 72(3)(a), Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)))

F40Words in s. 101(2)(a) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, otherwise prosp.) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 72(3)(b) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)))

F41Words in s. 101(2)(b) substituted (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 13(9)(a); S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional and transitory provisions in art. 3)

F42Words in s. 101(2)(b) inserted (1.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/506, art. 18(b)

F46Words in s. 101(2)(b) inserted (10.6.1996) by S.I. 1996/275 (N.I. 2), Sch. 6 (with Sch. 7 paras. 2, 3(2)); S.R. 1996/216, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)

F48Words in s. 101(2)(b) inserted (21.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/4050, art. 2, Sch. Pt. IV para. 17(a)

F49Words inserted by S.I. 1988/915, reg. 7(6)(f)(i) for the purpose mentioned therein

F50S. 101(2)(bb) inserted (1.7.1992) by Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (c. 43), s. 56(6), Sch. 1 para. 3(a); Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (Commencement No. 1) Order 1992, art. 3, Sch. Pt. I.

F51Words inserted by S.I. 1988/915, reg. 7(6)(f)(ii) for the purpose mentioned therein

F55Paragraph (i) inserted (1.3.1989) after para. (h) by S.I. 1987/2049 (N.I.20), arts. 1(5), 31(5), Sch. 3 para. 6

F56Words inserted (20.6.1988) by S.I. 1988/915, reg. 7(6)(f)(ii) for the purpose mentioned therein

F64S. 101(3)(p) inserted (1.4.2003) by 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, {Sch. 25 para. 13(9)(b)}; S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional and transitory provisions in art. 3)

F65S. 101(3)(q) inserted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, otherwise prosp.) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 72(5) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)))

F66S. 101(4) repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, otherwise prosp.) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 72(6), Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)))

F67Words in s. 101(4)(a) inserted (1.7.1992) by Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (c. 43), s. 56(6), Sch. 1 para. 3 (b); Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (Commencement No. 1) Order 1992, art. 3, Sch. Pt. I

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3S. 101(2): disclosure powers extended (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, s. 17, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 23

102 Offences by bodies corporate.U.K.

[F71(1)Where a body corporate is guilty of an offence under this Act and that offence is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate or any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity he, as well as the body corporate, shall be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(2)Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) above shall apply in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he were a director of the body corporate.]

Textual Amendments

F71S. 102 repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4Pt. VI (ss. 74-92), ss. 102, 106(4)(5), 110(1), Sch. 3 and Sch. 7 Pt. IV extended (Guernsey) (with modifications) (1.6.1994) by S.I. 1994/1064, art. 3(1), Sch. Pt. I

103 Summary proceedings.U.K.

[F72(1)] Proceedings for any offence under this Act which is punishable on summary conviction may be commenced at any time within twelve months next after the commission of the offence.

[F73(2)Subsection (1) above shall not apply for the purposes of an offence under any provision of the Enterprise Act 2002 as applied by virtue of section 13B above.]

Textual Amendments

F72S. 103 renumbered (26.6.2003) as s. 103(1) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 13(10)(a); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

104 Orders and schemes.U.K.

(1)Any power of the Secretary of State to make an order or a scheme under this Act shall be exercisable by statutory instrument subject, except in the case of an order under section [F74 2 [F7527L], 60(1) or (3), 69(2) or] 110(5) [F74, or paragraph 1 of Schedule 5,] to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

[F76(1A)Section 403 of the Communications Act 2003 (procedure for regulations and orders made by OFCOM) applies to every power of OFCOM to make an order under a provision of this Act.

(1B)The approval of the Secretary of State is required for the making by OFCOM of an order under section 85 or 86 above.

(1C)A statutory instrument containing an order made by OFCOM under section 85 or 86 above shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

(2)Any order or scheme under this Act may make different provision with respect to different cases or descriptions of case.

(3)[F77This section does not apply to the power of the Secretary of State to make vesting orders under section 36 above.]

Textual Amendments

F74Words in s. 104(1) repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes and otherwise prosp.) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)))

F75Words in s. 104(1) inserted (1.7.1992) by Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (c. 43), s. 56(6), Sch. 1 para.4; Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (Commencement No. 1) Order 1992, art. 3, Sch. Pt. I

F76S. 104(1A)-(1C) inserted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes (except in respect of s. 104(1B)) and otherwise prosp.) by Telecommunications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 73 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)))

F77S. 104(3) repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, otherwise prosp.) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)))

105 Financial provisions.U.K.

There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament any administrative expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the provisions of this Act and any increase attributable to this Act in the sums payable out of money so provided under any other Act.

106 General interpretation.U.K.

(1)In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

  • the 1973 Act” means the Fair Trading Act 1973;

  • the 1980 Act” means the Competition Act 1980;

  • the 1981 Act” means the British Telecommunications Act 1981;

  • the appointed day” has the meaning given by section 2 above;

  • [F78commercial activities connected with telecommunications” has the meaning given by section 4(3) above;]

  • the Commission” means the [F79the Competition Commission];

  • [F78consumer”, “monopoly situation”, “practice” and “supply” have the meanings given by section 137 of the 1973 Act;]

  • the Director” means the Director General of Telecommunications;

  • [F78directory information service” has the meaning given by section 4(3) above;]

  • [F78disabled person” means any person who is blind, deaf or dumb or who is substantially and permanently handicapped by illness, injury, congenital deformity or any other disability and “disabled” shall be construed accordingly;]

  • the excepted liabilities” has the meaning given by section 60(2) above;

  • modifications” includes additions, alterations and omissions and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;

  • [F78public telecommunications operator” has the meaning given by section 9(3) above;]

  • [F78public telecommunication system” has the meaning given by section 9(1) above;]

  • the successor company” and “the transfer date” have the meanings given by section 60(1) above;

  • [F78telecommunication apparatus” (except where the extended definition in Schedule 2 to this Act applies) has the meaning given by section 4(3) above;]

  • [F78telecommunication service” has the meaning given by section 4(3) above;]

  • [F78telecommunications operator” has the meaning given by section 16(1) above;]

  • [F78telecommunication system” has the meaning given by subsection (1) of section 4 above (read with subsection (2) of that section);]

  • [F78transitional period” has the meaning given by section 69(1) above.]

F80(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F80(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)Any power conferred on the Secretary of State by this Act to give a direction if it appears to him to be requisite or expedient to do so in the interests of national security or relations with the government of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom includes power to give the direction if it appears to him to be requisite or expedient to do so in order—

(a)to discharge, or facilitate the discharge of, an obligation binding on Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom by virtue of it being a member of an international organisation or a party to an international agreement;

(b)to attain, or facilitate the attainment of, any other objects the attainment of which is, in the Secretary of State’s opinion, requisite or expedient in view of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom being a member of such an organisation or a party to such an agreement; or

(c)to enable Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom to become a member of such an organisation or a party to such an agreement.

(5)For the purposes of any licence granted, approval given or order made under this Act any description or class may be framed by reference to any circumstances whatsoever.

Textual Amendments

F78S. 106(1): definitions repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F79S. 106(1): words in the definition of “the Commission” substituted (1.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/506, art. 18(a)

F80S. 106(2)(3) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIV Group 2.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6Pt. VI (ss. 74-92), ss. 102, 106(4)(5), 110(1), Sch. 3 and Sch. 7 Pt. IV extended (Guernsey) (with modifications) (1.6.1994) by S.I. 1994/1064, art. 3(1), Sch. Pt. I

107 Application to territorial waters and the continental shelf etc.U.K.

(1)[F81An Order in Council under [F82section 11 of the Petroleum Act 1998] (application of civil law) may make provision for treating for the purposes of this Act and subordinate legislation made under it—

(a)any installation in waters to which that section applies and with respect to which provision is made under that section; and

(b)any waters within five hundred metres of such an installation,

as if they were situated in such part of the United Kingdom as may be specified in the Order; and different provision may be so made for different purposes.]

(2)[F81In section 6 of the M7Continental Shelf Act 1964 (which makes, in relation to the M8Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 and regulations made under it, provision corresponding to that made by subsection (1) above) for the words “an area or part” there shall be substituted the words “ waters to which that section applies and ”.]

[F83(3)In relation to any time before the coming into force of the said section 23, subsection (1) above shall have effect as if—

(a)for the words “section 23 of the Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Act 1982” there were substituted the words “ section 3 of the Continental Shelf Act 1964 ”; and

(b)for the words “waters to which that section applies and” there were substituted the words “ an area or part ”.]

(4)[F81In this section—

  • installation” includes any floating structure or device maintained on a station by whatever means;

  • subordinate legislation” has the same meaning as in the M9Interpretation Act 1978.]

Textual Amendments

F81S. 107(1)(2)(4) repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Marginal Citations

108 Extension to the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.U.K.

Her Majesty may by Order in Council direct that any of the provisions of this Act specified in the Order shall extend to the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands with such exceptions, adaptations and modifications as may be so specified.

109 Amendments, transitional provisions and repeals.U.K.

(1)The enactments mentioned in Schedule 4 to this Act shall have effect subject to the amendments there specified (being minor amendments or amendments consequential on the preceding provisions of this Act).

(2)[F84The Secretary of State may by order make such consequential modifications of any provision contained in any Act (whether public general or local) passed, or subordinate legislation made, before the coming into force of the relevant provision of this Act as appear to him necessary or expedient in respect of—

(a)any reference in that Act or subordinate legislation to British Telecommunications;

(b)any reference in that Act or subordinate legislation to an enactment contained in the Telegraph Acts 1863 to 1916; or

(c)any use in that Act or subordinate legislation of terminology used in the Telegraph Acts 1863 to 1916 but not in the telecommunications code contained in Schedule 2 to this Act.]

(3)[F84The Secretary of State may by order—

(a)repeal or amend any enactment in a local Act which appears to him to be unnecessary having regard to the provisions of this Act or to be inconsistent with any provision of this Act; or

(b)repeal any enactment in a local telegraph Act which appears to him to be spent or no longer of practical utility.]

(4)The general transitional provisions and savings contained in Schedule 5 to this Act [F85and the special transitional provisions with respect to patents for inventions and registered designs contained in Schedule 6 to this Act] shall have effect; but those provisions and savings are without prejudice to sections 16 and 17 of the M10Interpretation Act 1978 (effect of repeals).

(5)[F84If it appears to the Secretary of State requisite or expedient to do so in order to secure that telecommunication services provided before the appointed day by means of any existing apparatus continue to be available after the appointed day, he may by order make provision with respect to the terms on which existing apparatus is kept installed on any premises; and such an order may, in particular—

(a)provide for the terms of agreements in pursuance of which existing apparatus is kept installed on any premises to have effect with such modifications as may be specified in the order;

(b)impose obligations in relation to existing apparatus on persons who own or use such apparatus or who own interests in, or occupy, premises where such apparatus is kept installed; and

(c)provide, for the purposes of any provision contained in such an order by virtue of paragraph (a) or (b) above, for such questions arising under the order as are specified in the order, or are of a description so specified, to be referred to, and determined by, the Director.]

(6)[F84The enactments mentioned in Schedule 7 to this Act (which include some that are spent or no longer of practical utility) are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.]

(7)[F84In this section—

  • existing apparatus” means any telecommunication apparatus (within the meaning of Schedule 2 to this Act) which—

    (a)

    was installed on any premises before the appointed day, and

    (b)

    cannot, after the appointed day, be kept installed there by virtue of any right which is or may be conferred by or in accordance with the telecommunications code;

  • local telegraph Act” means a local Act which incorporated a telegraph company or the Bill for which was promoted by such a company; and

  • subordinate legislation” has the same meaning as in the M11Interpretation Act 1978.]

Textual Amendments

F84S. 109(2)(3)(5)-(7) repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F85Words in s. 109(4) repealed (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 otherwise) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 408, 411, Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18, Sch. 19(1) Note 1); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8Pt. VI (ss. 74-92), ss. 102, 106(4)(5), 109(6), 110(1), Sch. 3 and Sch. 7 Pt. IV extended (Guernsey) (with modifications) (1.6.1994) by S.I. 1994/1064, art. 3(1), Sch. Pt. I

Marginal Citations

110 Short title, commencement and extent.U.K.

(1)This Act may be cited as the Telecommunications Act 1984.

(2)The following provisions of this Act, namely—

  • sections 2 to 4;

  • Parts II to IV;

  • sections 93 to 95;

  • sections 97 to 99;

  • sections 101 to 103;

  • section 106;

  • section 109(1) and Schedule 4;

  • section 109(2), (3) and (7);

  • Part I of Schedule 5 and section 109(4) so far as relating to that Part; and

  • Part I of Schedule 7 and section 109(6) so far as relating to that Part,

shall come into force on the appointed day.

(3)The following provisions of this Act, namely—

  • Part V;

  • Part II of Schedule 5 and Schedule 6 and section 109(4) so far as relating to that Part and that Schedule; and

  • Part II of Schedule 7 and section 109(6) so far as relating to that Part,

shall come into force on the transfer date.

(4)Part III of Schedule 7 and section 109(6) so far as relating to that Part shall come into force on the dissolution of British Telecommunications.

(5)Subject to subsections (2) to (4) above, this Act shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint; and different days may be so appointed for different provisions or for different purposes.

(6)This Act extends to Northern Ireland.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1Power of appointment conferred by s. 110(2) fully exercised: 5.8.1985 appointed by S.I. 1984/876

P2Power of appointment conferred by s. 110(3) fully exercised: 6.8.1985 appointed by S.I. 1984/876

P3Power of appointment conferred by s. 110(4) fully exercised: British Telecommunications was dissolved on 6.9.1994 by The British Telecommunications (Dissolution) Order 1994 (S.I. 1994/2162)

P4Power of appointment conferred by s. 110(5) partly exercised: S.I. 1984/749, 876

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10Pt. VI (ss. 74-92), ss. 102, 106(4)(5), 110(1), Sch. 3 and Sch. 7 Pt. IV extended (Guernsey) (with modifications) (1.6.1994) by S.I. 1994/1064, art. 3(1), Sch. Pt. I

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