Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984

4 Proceedings and evidence at enquiries under section 3. S

(1) For the purpose of any enquiry under section 3(2)(a) of this Act, the Mental Welfare Commission may, by notice in writing, require any person to attend at the time and place set forth in the notice to give evidence, but no person shall be required in obedience to such a notice to go more than 10 miles from his place of residence unless the necessary expenses of his attendance are paid or tendered to him.

(2) A person giving evidence at such an enquiry shall not be required to answer any questions which he would be entitled, on the ground of privilege or confidentiality, to refuse to answer if the enquiry were a proceeding in a court of law.

(3) The proceedings in any such enquiry shall have the privilege of a court of law.

(4) The chairman of, or person holding, the enquiry may administer oaths to witnesses and examine witnesses on oath, and may accept, instead of evidence on oath by any person, evidence on affirmation or a statement in writing by that person.

(5) Any person who refuses or wilfully neglects to attend in obedience to a notice under subsection (1) of this section or to give evidence shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale.