Companies Act 1985

Part XIV U.K. Investigation of Companies and Their Affairs; Requisition of Documents

Appointment and functions of inspectors U.K.

431 Investigation of a company on its own application or that of its members. U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may appoint one or more competent inspectors to investigate the affairs of a company and to [F1 report the result of their investigations to him] .

(2) The appointment may be made—

(a) in the case of a company having a share capital, on the application either of not less than 200 members or of members holding not less than one-tenth of the shares issued, [F2 (excluding any shares held as treasury shares)]

(b) in the case of a company not having a share capital, on the application of not less than one-fifth in number of the persons on the company’s register of members, and

(c) in any case, on application of the company.

(3) The application shall be supported by such evidence as the Secretary of State may require for the purpose of showing that the applicant or applicants have good reason for requiring the investigation.

(4) The Secretary of State may, before appointing inspectors, require the applicant or applicants to give security, to an amount not exceeding £5,000, or such other sum as he may by order specify, for payment of the costs of the investigation.

An order under this subsection shall be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 431(1) substituted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1035(2), 1300; S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

F2 Words in s. 431(2)(a) inserted (1.12.2003) by The Companies (Acquisition of Own Shares)(Treasury Shares) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1116), reg. 4, {Sch. para. 28}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 431 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

432 Other company investigations. U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State shall appoint one or more competent inspectors to investigate the affairs of a company and [F3 report the result of their investigations to him], if the court by order declares that its affairs out to be so investigated.

(2) The Secretary of State may make such an appointment if it appears to him that there are circumstances suggesting—

(a) that the company’s affairs are being or have been conducted with intent to defraud its creditors or the creditors of any other person, or otherwise for a fraudulent or unlawful purpose, or in a manner which is unfairly prejudicial to some part of its members, or

(b) that any actual or proposed act or omission of the company (including an act or omission on its behalf) is or would be so prejudicial, or that the company was formed for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, or

(c) that persons concerned with the company’s formation or the management of its affairs have in connection therewith been guilty of fraud, misfeasance or other misconduct towards it or towards its members, or

(d) that the company’s members have not been given all the information with respect to its affairs which they might reasonably expect.

[F4 (2A) Inspectors may be appointed under subsection (2) on terms that any report they may make is not for publication; and in such a case, the provisions of section 437(3) (availability and publication of inspectors’ reports) do not apply.]

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) are without prejudice to the powers of the Secretary of State under section 431; and the power conferred by subsection (2) is exercisable with respect to a body corporate notwithstanding that it is in course of being voluntarily wound up.

(4) The reference in subsection (2)(a) to a company’s members includes any person who is not a member but to whom shares in the company have been transferred or transmitted by operation of law.

Textual Amendments

F3 Words in s. 432(1) substituted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1035(3), 1300; S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

F4 S. 432(2A) inserted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 55, 213(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 432 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

C3 S. 432(1)(2) extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 5

433 Inspectors’ powers during investigation. U.K.

(1) If inspectors appointed under section 431 or 432 to investigate the affairs of a company think it necessary for the purposes of their investigation to investigate also the affairs of another body corporate which is or at any relevant time has been the company’s subsidiary or holding company, or a subsidiary of its holding company or a holding company of its subsidiary, they have power to do so; and they shall report on the affairs of the other body corporate so far as they think that the results of their investigation of its affairs are relevant to the investigation of the affairs of the company first mentioned above.

F5 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F5 S. 433(2) repealed by Financial Services Act 1986 (c. 60, SIF 69), ss. 182, 212(3), Sch. 13 para. 7, Sch. 17 Pt. I

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 433 applied (wih modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

434 Production of documents and evidence to inspectors. U.K.

(1) When inspectors are appointed under section 431 or 432, it is the duty of all officers and agents of the company, and of all officers and agents of any other body corporate whose affairs are investigated under section 433(1)—

(a) to produce to the inspectors all [F6 documents] of or relating to the company or, as the case may be, the other body corporate which are in their custody or power,

(b) to attend before the inspectors when required to do so, and

(c) otherwise to give the inspectors all assistance in connection with the investigation which they are reasonably able to give.

[F7 (2) If the inspectors consider that an officer or agent of the company or other body corporate, or any other person, is or may be in possession of information relating to a matter which they believe to be relevant to the investigation, they may require him—

(a) to produce to them any documents in his custody or power relating to that matter,

(b) to attend before them, and

(c) otherwise to give them all assistance in connection with the investigation which he is reasonably able to give;

and it is that person’s duty to comply with the requirement.]

[F8 (3) An inspector may for the purposes of the investigation examine any person on oath, and may administer an oath accordingly.]

(4) In this section a reference to officers or to agents includes past, as well as present, officers or agents (as the case may be); and “agents”, in relation to a company or other body corporate, includes its bankers and solicitors and persons employed by it as auditors, whether these persons are or are not officers of the company or other body corporate.

(5) An answer given by a person to a question put to him in exercise of powers conferred by this section (whether as it has effect in relation to an investigation under any of sections 431 to 433, or as applied by any other section in this Part) may be used in evidence against him.

[F9 (5A) However, in criminal proceedings in which that person is charged with an offence to which this subsection applies—

(a) no evidence relating to the answer may be adduced, and

(b) no question relating to it may be asked,

by or on behalf of the prosecution, unless evidence relating to it is adduced, or a question relating to it is asked, in the proceedings by or on behalf of that person.

(5B) Subsection (5A) applies to any offence other than—

(a) an offence under section 2 or 5 of the Perjury Act 1911 (false statements made on oath otherwise than in judicial proceedings or made otherwise than on oath); or

(b) an offence under section 44(1) or (2) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 (false statements made on oath or otherwise than on oath)[F10 ; or

(c) an offence under Article 7 or 10 of the Perjury (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (false statements made on oath otherwise than in judicial proceedings or made otherwise than on oath).]]

[F11 (6) In this section “document” includes information recorded in any form.

(7) The power under this section to require production of a document includes power, in the case of a document not in hard copy form, to require the production of a copy of the document—

(a) in hard copy form, or

(b) in a form from which a hard copy can be readily obtained.

(8) An inspector may take copies of or extracts from a document produced in pursuance of this section.]

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in s. 434(1)(a) substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 56(2), 213(2)

F7 S. 434(2) substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 56(3), 213(2)

F8 S. 434(3) substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 56(4), 213(2)

F9 S. 434(5A)(5B) inserted (14.4.2000 for E.W.N.I. and 1.1.2001 for S.) by 1999 c. 23, ss. 59, 68(3), Sch. 3 para. 5 (with Sch. 7 para. 5(2)); S.I. 2000/1034, art. 2(a); S.S.I. 2000/445, art. 2

F10 S. 434(5B)(c) and preceding word inserted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 57(2)

F11 S. 434(6)-(8) substituted for s. 434(6) (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1038(1), 1300; S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 434 extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 6

C6 S. 434 applied (with modifications) by Financial Services Act 1986 (c. 60, SIF 69), s. 94(3)(7)

S. 434 applied (with modifications) (6.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/2827, reg. 22(3)(4)

C7 S. 434 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

C8 S. 434(4) amended (E.W.)(01.01.1992) by S.I. 1991/2684, arts. 2(1), 4, 5, Sch. 1.

F12 435 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F12 S. 435 repealed by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 212, 213(2), Sch. 24

436 Obstruction of inspectors treated as contempt of court. U.K.

[F13 (1) If any person—

(a) fails to comply with section 434(1)(a) or (c),

(b) refuses to comply with a requirement under section 434(1)(b) or (2), or

(c) refuses to answer any question put to him by the inspectors for the purposes of the investigation,

the inspectors may certify that fact in writing to the court.]

(3) The court may thereupon enquire into the case; and, after hearing any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of the alleged offender and after hearing any statement which may be offered in defence, the court may punish the offender in like manner as if he had been guilty of contempt of the court.

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 436(1) substituted for subsections (1)(2) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 56(6), 213(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 436 applied (with modifications) by Financial Services Act 1986 (c. 60, SIF 69), s. 94(3)(7)

S. 436 applied (with modifications) (6.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/2827, reg. 22(3)(4)

C10 S. 436 extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 7

C11 S. 436 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

437 Inspectors’ reports. U.K.

(1) The inspectors may, and if so directed by the Secretary of State shall, make interim reports to the Secretary of State, and on the conclusion of their investigation shall make a final report to him.

F14 . . .

[F15 (1A) Any persons who have been appointed under section 431 or 432 may at any time and, if the Secretary of State directs them to do so, shall inform him of any matters coming to their knowledge as a result of their investigations.]

(1B) F16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1C) F16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) If the inspectors were appointed under section 432 in pursuance of an order of the court, the Secretary of State shall furnish a copy of any report of theirs to the court.

[F17 (2A) If the company is registered under the Companies Act 2006 in Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State must send a copy of any interim or final report by the inspectors to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland.]

(3) In any case the Secretary of State may, if he thinks fit—

(a) forward a copy of any report made by the inspectors to the company’s registered office,

(b) furnish a copy on request and on payment of the prescribed fee to—

(i) any member of the company or other body corporate which is the subject of the report,

(ii) any person whose conduct is referred to in the report,

(iii) the auditors of that company or body corporate,

(iv) the applicants for the investigation,

(v) any other person whose financial interests appear to the Secretary of State to be affected by the matters dealt with in the report, whether as a creditor of the company or body corporate, or otherwise, and

(c) cause any such report to be printed and published.

Textual Amendments

F14 Words in s. 437(1) repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1035(4)(a), 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(1)(k), 8, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

F15 S. 437(1A) inserted by Financial Services Act 1986 (c. 60, SIF 69), s. 182, Sch. 13 para. 7

F16 S. 437(1B)(1C) repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1035(4)(b), 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(1)(k), 8, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

F17 S. 437(2A) inserted (1.10.2009) after s. 437(2) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 57(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 437 extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21

C13 S. 437 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

438 Power to bring civil proceedings on company’s behalf. U.K.

F18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F18 S. 438 repealed (6.4.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1176(1), 1295, 1300, Sch. 16 (with s. 1176(4)); S.I. 2006/3428, arts. 4(1)(b), 7(c), Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5))

439 Expenses of investigating a company’s affairs. U.K.

[F19 (1) The expenses of an investigation under any of the powers conferred by this Part shall be defrayed in the first instance by the Secretary of State, but he may recover those expenses from the persons liable in accordance with this section.

There shall be treated as expenses of the investigation, in particular, such reasonable sums as the Secretary of State may determine in respect of general staff costs and overheads.]

(2) A person who is convicted on a prosecution instituted as a result of the investigation F20 . . . may in the same proceedings be ordered to pay those expenses to such extent as may be specified in the order.

(3) F21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) A body corporate dealt with by [F22 an inspectors’ report], where the inspectors were appointed otherwise than of the Secretary of State’s own motion, is liable except where it was the applicant for the investigation, and except so far as the Secretary of State otherwise directs.

[F23 (5) Where inspectors were appointed—

(a) under section 431, or

(b) on an application under section 442(3),

the applicant or applicants for the investigation is or are liable to such extent (if any) as the Secretary of State may direct.]

(6) The report of inspectors appointed otherwise than of the Secretary of State’s own motion may, if they think fit, and shall if the Secretary of State so directs, include a recommendation as to the directions (if any) which they think appropriate, in the light of their investigation, to be given under subsection (4) or (5) of this section.

(7) F24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) Any liability to repay the Secretary of State imposed by [F25 subsection (2)] above is (subject to satisfaction of his right to repayment) a liability also to indemnify all persons against liability under subsections (4) and (5)F26 . . . .

(9) A person liable under any one of those subsections is entitled to contribution from any other person liable under the same subsection, according to the amount of their respective liabilities under it.

(10) Expenses to be defrayed by the Secretary of State under this section shall, so far as not recovered under it, be paid out of money provided by Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F19 S. 439(1) substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 59(2), 213(2)

F20 Words in s. 439(2) repealed (6.4.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1176(2)(a), 1295, 1300, Sch. 16 (with s. 1176(4)); S.I. 2006/3428, arts. 4(1)(b), 7(c), Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5))

F21 S. 439(3) repealed (6.4.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1176(2)(b), 1295, 1300, Sch. 16 (with s. 1176(4)); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 4(1)(b), 7(c), Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5))

F22 Words substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 59(3), 213(2)

F23 S. 439(5) substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 59(4), 213(2)

F24 S. 439(7) repealed (6.4.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1176(2)(b), 1295, 1300, Sch. 16 (with s. 1176(4)); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 4(1)(b), 7(c), Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5))

F25 Words in s. 439(8) substituted (6.4.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1176(2)(c)(i), 1300 (with s. 1176(4)); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 4(1)(b) (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5))

F26 Words in s. 439(8) repealed (6.4.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1176(2)(c)(ii), 1295, 1300, Sch. 16 (with s. 1176(4)); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 4(1)(b), 7(c), Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 S. 439 extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 8

C15 S. 439 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

F27 440 Power of Secretary of State to present winding-up petition. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27 S. 440 repealed and superseded by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 60, 212, 213(2), Sch. 24 and amended by 1995 c. 40, s. 5, Sch. 4 para. 56

441 Inspectors’ report to be evidence. U.K.

(1) A copy of any report of inspectors appointed under [F28 this Part], certified by the Secretary of State to be a true copy, is admissible in any legal proceedings as evidence of the opinion of the inspectors in relation to any matter contained in the report [F29 and, in proceedings on an application under [F30 section 8 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986][F31 or Article 11 of the Company Directors Disqualification (Northern Ireland) Order 2002], as evidence of any fact stated therein].

(2) A document purporting to be such a certificate as is mentioned above shall be received in evidence and be deemed to be such a certificate, unless the contrary is proved.

Textual Amendments

F28 Words substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 61, 213(2)

F29 Words inserted by Insolvency Act 1985 (c. 65, SIF 27), s. 109, Sch. 6 para. 3

F30 Words substituted by Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45, SIF 66), s. 439(1), Sch. 13 Pt. I

F31 Words in s. 441(1) inserted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 57(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 S. 441 extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 9

C17 S. 441 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

Other powers of investigation available to the Secretary of State U.K.

442 Power to investigate company ownership. U.K.

(1) Where it appears to the Secretary of State that there is good reason to do so, he may appoint one or more competent inspectors to investigate and report on the membership of any company, and otherwise with respect to the company, for the purpose of determining the true persons who are or have been financially interested in the success or failure (real or apparent) of the company or able to control or materially to influence its policy.

(2) F32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F33 (3) If an application for investigation under this section with respect to particular shares or debentures of a company is made to the Secretary of State by members of the company, and the number of applicants or the amount of shares held by them is not less than that required for an application for the appointment of inspectors under section 431(2)(a) or (b), then, subject to the following provisions, the Secretary of State shall appoint inspectors to conduct the investigation applied for.

(3A) The Secretary of State shall not appoint inspectors if he is satisfied that the application is vexatious; and where inspectors are appointed their terms of appointment shall exclude any matter in so far as the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is unreasonable for it to be investigated.

(3B) The Secretary of State may, before appointing inspectors, require the applicant or applicants to give security, to an amount not exceeding £5,000, or such other sum as he may by order specify, for payment of the costs of the investigation.

An order under this subsection shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(3C) If on an application under subsection (3) it appears to the Secretary of State that the powers conferred by section 444 are sufficient for the purposes of investigating the matters which inspectors would be appointed to investigate, he may instead conduct the investigation under that section.]

(4) Subject to the terms of their appointment, the inspectors’ powers extend to the investigation of any circumstances suggesting the existance of an arrangement or understanding which, though not legally binding, is or was observed or likely to be observed in practice and which is relevant to the purposes of the investigation.

Textual Amendments

F32 S. 442(2) repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1035(5), 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(1)(k), 8, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

F33 S. 442(3)–(3C) substituted for s. 442(3) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 62, 213(2)

443 Provisions applicable on investigation under s. 442. U.K.

(1) For purposes of an investigation under section 442, sections 433(1), 434, 436 and 437 apply with the necessary modifications of references to the affairs of the company or to those of any other body corporate, subject however to the following subsections.

(2) Those sections apply to—

(a) all persons who are or have been, or whom the inspector has reasonable cause to believe to be or have been, financially interested in the success or failure or the apparent success or failure of the company or any other body corporate whose membership is investigated with that of the company, or able to control or materially influence its policy (including persons concerned only on behalf of others), and

(b) any other person whom the inspector has reasonable cause to believe possesses information relevant to the investigation,

as they apply in relation to officers and agents of the company or the other body corporate (as the case may be).

(3) If the Secretary of State is of opinion that there is good reason for not divulging any part of a report made by virtue of section 442 and this section, he may under section 437 disclose the report with the omission of that part; and he may cause to be kept by the registrar of companies a copy of the report with that part omitted or, in the case of any other such report, a copy of the whole report.

F34 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F34 S. 443(4) repealed by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 212, 213(2), Sch. 24

444 Power to obtain information as to those interested in shares, etc. U.K.

(1) If it appears to the Secretary of State that there is good reason to investigate the ownership of any shares in or debentures of a company and that it is unnecessary to appoint inspectors for the purpose, he may require any person whom he has reasonable cause to believe to have or to be able to obtain any information as to the present and past interests in those shares or debentures and the names and addresses of the persons interested and of any persons who act or have acted on their behalf in relation to the shares or debentures to give any such information to the Secretary of State.

(2) For this purpose a person is deemed to have an interest in shares or debentures if he has any right to acquire or dispose of them or of any interest in them, or to vote in respect of them, or if his consent is necessary for the exercise of any of the rights of other persons interested in them, or if other persons interested in them can be required, or are accustomed, to exercise their rights in accordance with his instructions.

(3) A person who fails to give information required of him under this section, or who in giving such information makes any statement which he knows to be false in a material particular, or recklessly makes any statement which is false in a material particular, [F35 commits an offence] .

[F36 (4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

(b) on summary conviction—

(i) in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both) and, for continued contravention, a daily default fine not exceeding one-fiftieth of the statutory maximum;

(ii) in Scotland or Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both) and, for continued contravention, a daily default fine not exceeding one-fiftieth of the statutory maximum.]

Textual Amendments

F35 Words in s. 444(3) substituted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 1(1) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 10; S.I. 2008/674, Sch. 3 paras. 1, 2 and revoked by S.I. 2008/2860, art. 6))

F36 S. 444(4) added (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 1(2) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1) (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 10; S.I. 2008/674, Sch. 3 paras. 1, 2 and revoked by S.I. 2008/2860, art. 6)

445 Power to impose restrictions on shares and debentures. U.K.

(1) If in connection with an investigation under either section 442 or 444 it appears to the Secretary of State that there is difficulty in finding out the relevant facts about any shares (whether issued or to be issued), he may by order direct that the shares shall until further order be subject to the restrictions of Part XV of this Act.

[F37 (1A) If the Secretary of State is satisfied that an order under subsection (1) may unfairly affect the rights of third parties in respect of shares then the Secretary of State, for the purpose of protecting such rights and subject to such terms as he thinks fit, may direct that such acts by such persons or descriptions of persons and for such purposes as may be set out in the order, shall not constitute a breach of the restrictions of Part XV of this Act.]

(2) This section, and Part XV in its application to orders under it, apply in relation to debentures as in relation to shares [F38 save that subsection (1A) shall not so apply.]

Textual Amendments

F37 S. 445(1A) inserted by S.I. 1991/1646, reg. 5(a)

F38 Words in s. 445(2) inserted by S.I. 1991/1646, reg. 5(b)

446 Investigation of share dealings. U.K.

F39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F39 S. 446 repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/2194, art. 8, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 (with art. 12)

Prospective

[F40 Powers of Secretary of State to give directions to inspectors U.K.

Textual Amendments

F40 Ss. 446A, 446B and preceding cross-heading inserted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1035(1), 1300; S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

446A General powers to give directions U.K.

(1) In exercising his functions an inspector shall comply with any direction given to him by the Secretary of State under this section.

(2) The Secretary of State may give an inspector appointed under section 431, 432(2) or 442(1) a direction—

(a) as to the subject matter of his investigation (whether by reference to a specified area of a company's operation, a specified transaction, a period of time or otherwise), or

(b) which requires the inspector to take or not to take a specified step in his investigation.

(3) The Secretary of State may give an inspector appointed under any provision of this Part a direction requiring him to secure that a specified report under section 437—

(a) includes the inspector's views on a specified matter,

(b) does not include any reference to a specified matter,

(c) is made in a specified form or manner, or

(d) is made by a specified date.

(4) A direction under this section—

(a) may be given on an inspector's appointment,

(b) may vary or revoke a direction previously given, and

(c) may be given at the request of an inspector.

(5) In this section—

(a) a reference to an inspector's investigation includes any investigation he undertakes, or could undertake, under section 433(1) (power to investigate affairs of holding company or subsidiary);

(b) “specified” means specified in a direction under this section.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 S. 446A applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2014) by The Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies and Credit Unions (Investigations) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/574), regs. 1(1), 2

446B Direction to terminate investigation U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may direct an inspector to take no further steps in his investigation.

(2) The Secretary of State may give a direction under this section to an inspector appointed under section 432(1) or 442(3) only on the grounds that it appears to him that—

(a) matters have come to light in the course of the inspector's investigation which suggest that a criminal offence has been committed, and

(b) those matters have been referred to the appropriate prosecuting authority.

(3) Where the Secretary of State gives a direction under this section, any direction already given to the inspector under section 437(1) to produce an interim report, and any direction given to him under section 446A(3) in relation to such a report, shall cease to have effect.

(4) Where the Secretary of State gives a direction under this section, the inspector shall not make a final report to the Secretary of State unless—

(a) the direction was made on the grounds mentioned in subsection (2) and the Secretary of State directs the inspector to make a final report to him, or

(b) the inspector was appointed under section 432(1) (appointment in pursuance of order of the court).

(5) An inspector shall comply with any direction given to him under this section.

(6) In this section, a reference to an inspector's investigation includes any investigation he undertakes, or could undertake, under section 433(1) (power to investigate affairs of holding company or subsidiary).]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 446B applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2014) by The Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies and Credit Unions (Investigations) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/574), regs. 1(1), 2

Prospective

[F41 Resignation, removal and replacement of inspectors U.K.

Textual Amendments

F41 Ss. 446C, 446D and preceding cross-heading inserted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1036, 1300; S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

446C Resignation and revocation of appointment U.K.

(1) An inspector may resign by notice in writing to the Secretary of State.

(2) The Secretary of State may revoke the appointment of an inspector by notice in writing to the inspector.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S. 446C applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2014) by The Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies and Credit Unions (Investigations) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/574), regs. 1(1), 2

446D Appointment of replacement inspectors U.K.

(1) Where—

(a) an inspector resigns,

(b) an inspector's appointment is revoked, or

(c) an inspector dies,

the Secretary of State may appoint one or more competent inspectors to continue the investigation.

(2) An appointment under subsection (1) shall be treated for the purposes of this Part (apart from this section) as an appointment under the provision of this Part under which the former inspector was appointed.

(3) The Secretary of State must exercise his power under subsection (1) so as to secure that at least one inspector continues the investigation.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply if—

(a) the Secretary of State could give any replacement inspector a direction under section 446B (termination of investigation), and

(b) such a direction would (under subsection (4) of that section) result in a final report not being made.

(5) In this section, references to an investigation include any investigation the former inspector conducted under section 433(1) (power to investigate affairs of holding company or subsidiary).]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21 S. 446D applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2014) by The Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies and Credit Unions (Investigations) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/574), regs. 1(1), 2

Prospective

[F42 Power to obtain information from former inspectors etc U.K.

Textual Amendments

F42 S. 446E and preceding cross-heading inserted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1037(1), 1300; S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

446E Obtaining information from former inspectors etc U.K.

(1) This section applies to a person who was appointed as an inspector under this Part—

(a) who has resigned, or

(b) whose appointment has been revoked.

(2) This section also applies to an inspector to whom the Secretary of State has given a direction under section 446B (termination of investigation).

(3) The Secretary of State may direct a person to whom this section applies to produce documents obtained or generated by that person during the course of his investigation to—

(a) the Secretary of State, or

(b) an inspector appointed under this Part.

(4) The power under subsection (3) to require production of a document includes power, in the case of a document not in hard copy form, to require the production of a copy of the document—

(a) in hard copy form, or

(b) in a form from which a hard copy can be readily obtained.

(5) The Secretary of State may take copies of or extracts from a document produced in pursuance of this section.

(6) The Secretary of State may direct a person to whom this section applies to inform him of any matters that came to that person's knowledge as a result of his investigation.

(7) A person shall comply with any direction given to him under this section.

(8) In this section—

(a) references to the investigation of a former inspector or inspector include any investigation he conducted under section 433(1) (power to investigate affairs of holding company or subsidiary), and

(b) “document” includes information recorded in any form.]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 S. 446E applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2014) by The Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies and Credit Unions (Investigations) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/574), regs. 1(1), 2

Requisition and seizure of books and papers U.K.

[F43 447 Power to require documents and information U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may act under subsections (2) and (3) in relation to a company.

(2) The Secretary of State may give directions to the company requiring it—

(a) to produce such documents (or documents of such description) as may be specified in the directions;

(b) to provide such information (or information of such description) as may be so specified.

(3) The Secretary of State may authorise a person (an investigator) to require the company or any other person—

(a) to produce such documents (or documents of such description) as the investigator may specify;

(b) to provide such information (or information of such description) as the investigator may specify.

(4) A person on whom a requirement under subsection (3) is imposed may require the investigator to produce evidence of his authority.

(5) A requirement under subsection (2) or (3) must be complied with at such time and place as may be specified in the directions or by the investigator (as the case may be).

(6) The production of a document in pursuance of this section does not affect any lien which a person has on the document.

(7) The Secretary of State or the investigator (as the case may be) may take copies of or extracts from a document produced in pursuance of this section.

(8) A “document” includes information recorded in any form.

[F44 (9) The power under this section to require production of a document includes power, in the case of a document not in hard copy form, to require the production of a copy of the document—

(a) in hard copy form, or

(b) in a form from which a hard copy can be readily obtained.]]

Textual Amendments

F43 S. 447 substituted (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 21, 65; S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts 3-13)

F44 S. 447(9) substituted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1038(2), 1300; S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23 S. 447 extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 10

C24 S. 447 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

[F45 447A Information provided: evidence U.K.

(1) A statement made by a person in compliance with a requirement under section 447 may be used in evidence against him.

(2) But in criminal proceedings in which the person is charged with a relevant offence—

(a) no evidence relating to the statement may be adduced by or on behalf of the prosecution, and

(b) no question relating to it may be asked by or on behalf of the prosecution,

unless evidence relating to it is adduced or a question relating to it is asked in the proceedings by or on behalf of that person.

(3) A relevant offence is any offence other than the following—

(a) an offence under section 451,

(b) an offence under section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911 (false statement made otherwise than on oath), or

(c) an offence under section 44(2) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 (false statement made otherwise than on oath)[F46 , or

(d) an offence under Article 10 of the Perjury (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (false statements made otherwise than on oath).]]

Textual Amendments

F45 S. 447A inserted (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 25, 65, Sch. 2 para. 17; S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)

F46 S. 447A(3)(d) and preceding word inserted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 57(5)

[F47 448 Entry and search of premises. U.K.

(1) A justice of the peace may issue a warrant under this section if satisfied on information on oath given by or on behalf of the Secretary of State, or by a person appointed or authorised to exercise powers under this Part, that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there are on any premises documents whose production has been required under this Part and which have not been produced in compliance with the requirement.

(2) A justice of the peace may also issue a warrant under this section if satisfied on information on oath given by or on behalf of the Secretary of State, or by a person appointed or authorised to exercise powers under this Part—:

(a) that there are reasonable grounds for believing that an offence has been committed for which the penalty on conviction on indictment is imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and that there are on any premises documents relating to whether the offence has been committed,

(b) that the Secretary of State, or the person so appointed or authorised, has power to require the production of the documents under this Part, and

(c) that there are reasonable grounds for believing that if production was so required the documents would not be produced but would be removed from the premises, hidden, tampered with or destroyed.

(3) A warrant under this section shall authorise a constable, together with any other person named in it and any other constables—

(a) to enter the premises specified in the information, using such force as is reasonably necessary for the purpose;

(b) to search the premises and take possession of any documents appearing to be such documents as are mentioned in subsection (1) or (2), as the case may be, or to take, in relation to any such documents, any other steps which may appear to be necessary for preserving them or preventing interference with them;

(c) to take copies of any such documents; and

(d) to require any person named in the warrant to provide an explanation of them or to state where they may be found.

(4) If in the case of a warrant under subsection (2) the justice of the peace is satisfied on information on oath that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there are also on the premises other documents relevant to the investigation, the warrant shall also authorise the actions mentioned in subsection (3) to be taken in relation to such documents.

(5) A warrant under this section shall continue in force until the end of the period of one month beginning with the day on which it is issued.

(6) Any documents of which possession is taken under this section may be retained—

(a) for a period of three months; or

(b) if within that period proceedings to which the documents are relevant are commenced against any person for any criminal offence, until the conclusion of those proceedings.

(7) Any person who intentionally obstructs the exercise of any rights conferred by a warrant issued under this section or fails without reasonable excuse to comply with any requirement imposed in accordance with subsection (3)(d) is guilty of an offence F48 . . .

[F49 (7A) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to a fine;

(b) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.]

(8) For the purposes of sections 449 and 451A (provision for security of information) documents obtained under this section shall be treated as if they had been obtained under the provision of this Part under which their production was or, as the case may be, could have been required.

(9) In the application of this section to Scotland for the references to a justice of the peace substitute references to a justice of the peace or a sheriff, and for the references to information on oath substitute references to evidence on oath.

(10) In this section “document” includes information recorded in any form.]

Textual Amendments

F47 S. 448 substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 64(1), 213(2)

F48 Words in s. 448(7) repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1295, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 2(1), Sch. 16 (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(1)(k), 8, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

F49 S. 448(7A) inserted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 2(2) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25 S. 448 extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 11

C26 S. 448 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

C27 S. 448 restricted (20.1.2007, 6.4.2007, 1.10.2007, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1126, 1300 (with s. 1133); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(2)(b) (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5)); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(2)(c); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(l)(3)(h) (with art. 12); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(1)(n) (with arts. 7, 12)

C28 S. 448(3): powers of seizure extended (8.10.2004) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 52-54, 68, 138(2), Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 35; S.I. 2004/1376, art. 3

C29 S. 448(6) applied (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 57(1)(f), 138(2) (with s. 57(4)); S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

[F50 448A Protection in relation to certain disclosures: information provided to Secretary of State U.K.

(1) A person who makes a relevant disclosure is not liable by reason only of that disclosure in any proceedings relating to a breach of an obligation of confidence.

(2) A relevant disclosure is a disclosure which satisfies each of the following conditions—

(a) it is made to the Secretary of State otherwise than in compliance with a requirement under this Part;

(b) it is of a kind that the person making the disclosure could be required to make in pursuance of this Part;

(c) the person who makes the disclosure does so in good faith and in the reasonable belief that the disclosure is capable of assisting the Secretary of State for the purposes of the exercise of his functions under this Part;

(d) the information disclosed is not more than is reasonably necessary for the purpose of assisting the Secretary of State for the purposes of the exercise of those functions;

(e) the disclosure is not one falling within subsection (3) or (4).

(3) A disclosure falls within this subsection if the disclosure is prohibited by virtue of any enactment [F51 whenever passed or made].

(4) A disclosure falls within this subsection if—

(a) it is made by a person carrying on the business of banking or by a lawyer, and

(b) it involves the disclosure of information in respect of which he owes an obligation of confidence in that capacity.

[F52 (5) In this section “enactment” has the meaning given by section 1293 of the Companies Act 2006.]]

Textual Amendments

F50 S. 448A inserted (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 22, 65; S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)

F51 Words in s. 448A(3) inserted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 57(6)(a)

F52 S. 448A(5) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 57(6)(b)

[F53 F54 F55 449 Provision for security of information obtained. U.K.

(1) This section applies to information (in whatever form) obtained—

(a) in pursuance of a requirement imposed under section 447;

(b) by means of a relevant disclosure within the meaning of section 448A(2);

(c) by an investigator in consequence of the exercise of his powers under section 453A.

(2) Such information must not be disclosed unless the disclosure—

(a) is made to a person specified in Schedule 15C, or

(b) is of a description specified in Schedule 15D.

(3) The Secretary of State may by order amend Schedules 15C and 15D.

(4) An order under subsection (3) must not—

(a) amend Schedule 15C by specifying a person unless the person exercises functions of a public nature (whether or not he exercises any other function);

(b) amend Schedule 15D by adding or modifying a description of disclosure unless the purpose for which the disclosure is permitted is likely to facilitate the exercise of a function of a public nature.

(5) An order under subsection (3) must be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(6) A person who discloses any information in contravention of this section[F56 is guilty of an offence.]

[F57 (6A) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

(b) on summary conviction—

(i) in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both);

(ii) in Scotland or Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both).]

(7) F58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) Any information which may by virtue of this section be disclosed to a person specified in Schedule 15C may be disclosed to any officer or employee of the person.

(9) This section does not prohibit the disclosure of information if the information is or has been available to the public from any other source.

(10) For the purposes of this section, information obtained by an investigator in consequence of the exercise of his powers under section 453A includes information obtained by a person accompanying the investigator in pursuance of subsection (4) of that section in consequence of that person’s accompanying the investigator.

(11) Nothing in this section authorises the making of a disclosure in contravention of the Data Protection Act 1998.]

Textual Amendments

F53 S. 449 substituted (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 25, 65, Sch. 2 para. 18; S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)

F54 S. 449: by Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35), ss. 319, 322, Sch. 12 para. 5(2); S.I. 2006/560, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. 3 it is provided that for subsection (1)(dg) there is substituted subsection (1)(dg)(dh) (6.4.2006)

F55 S. 449: by Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35), ss. 102, 322, Sch. 4 para. 18; S.I. 2006/560, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. 3 it is provided that section 489(1)(n) is inserted (6.4.2006)

F56 Words in s. 449(6) substituted for s. 449(6)(a)(b) (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 3(2) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

F57 S. 449(6A) inserted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 3(3) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

F58 S. 449(7) repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1295, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 3(4), Sch. 16 (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(1)(k), 8, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 S. 449 extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 11

C31 S. 449 modified by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 88(3)(b)(5)(6), 213(2)

C32 S. 449 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

C33 S. 449 restricted (20.1.2007, 6.4.2007, 1.10.2007, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1126, 1300 (with s. 1133); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(2)(b) (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5)); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(2)(c); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(l)(3)(h) (with art. 12); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(1)(n) (with arts. 7, 12)

450 Punishment for destroying, mutilating, etc. company documents. U.K.

[F59 (1) An officer of a company]. . . who—

(a) destroys, mutilates or falsifies, or is privy to the destruction, mutilation or falsification of a document affecting, or relating to the [F60 company’s] property or affairs, or

(b) makes, or is privy to the making of, a false entry in such a document,

is guilty of an offence, unless he proves that he had no intention to conceal the state of affairs of [F61 the company] or to defeat the law.

[F62 (1A) Subsection (1) applies to an officer of an authorised insurance company which is not a body corporate as it applies to an officer of a company.]

(2) Such a person as above mentioned who fraudulently either parts with, alters or makes an omission in any such document or is privy to fraudulent parting with, fraudulent altering or fraudulent making of an omission in, any such document, is guilty of an offence.

[F63 (3) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years or a fine (or both);

(b) on summary conviction—

(i) in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both);

(ii) in Scotland or Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both).]

(4) F64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F65 (5) In this section “document” includes information recorded in any form.]

Textual Amendments

F59 Words substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 66(2), 213(2)

F60 Words substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 66(2), 213(2)

F61 Words substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 66(2), 213(2)

F62 S. 450(1A) inserted (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, art. 23(1)(3)

F63 S. 450(3) substituted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 4(1) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

F64 S. 450(4) repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1295, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 4(2), Sch. 16 (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(1)(k), 8, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

F65 S. 450(5) inserted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 66(4), 213(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C34 S. 450 extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 11

C35 S. 450 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/355, art. 9(2))

C36 S. 450 restricted (20.1.2007, 6.4.2007, 1.10.2007, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1126, 1300 (with s. 1133); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(2)(b) (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5)); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(2)(c); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(l)(3)(h) (with art. 12); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(1)(n) (with arts. 7, 12)

C37 S. 450(1) amended (1.7.1994) by S.I. 1994/1696, reg. 68, Sch. 8 Pt. I para. 9(1)(c)

[F66 451 Punishment for furnishing false information. U.K.

(1) A person commits an offence if in purported compliance with a requirement under section 447 to provide information—

(a) he provides information which he knows to be false in a material particular;

(b) he recklessly provides information which is false in a material particular.

[F67 (2) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

(b) on summary conviction—

(i) in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both);

(ii) in Scotland or Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both).]

(3) F68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F66 S. 451 substituted (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 25, 65, Sch. 2 para. 19; S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)

F67 S. 451(2) substituted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 5(1) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

F68 S. 451(3) repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1295, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 5(2), Sch. 16 (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(1)(k), 8, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C38 S. 451 extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 11

C39 S. 451 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

C40 S. 451 restricted (20.1.2007, 6.4.2007. 1.10.2007 for specified purposes) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1126, 1300 (with s. 1133); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(2)(b) (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5)); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(2)(c); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(l)(3)(h) (with art. 12); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(1)(n) (with arts. 7, 12)

[F69 451A Disclosure of information by Secretary of State or inspector. U.K.

[F70 (1) This section applies to information obtained—

(a) under sections 434 to [F71 446E] ;

(b) by an inspector in consequence of the exercise of his powers under section 453A.]

(2) The Secretary of State may, if he thinks fit—

(a) disclose any information to which this section applies to any person to whom, or for any purpose for which, disclosure is permitted under section 449, or

(b) authorise or require an inspector appointed under this Part to disclose such information to any such person or for any such purpose.

[F72 (3) Information to which this section applies may also be disclosed by an inspector appointed under this Part to—

(a) another inspector appointed under this Part;

(b) a person appointed under—

(i) section 167 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (general investigations),

(ii) section 168 of that Act (investigations in particular cases),

(iii) section 169(1)(b) of that Act (investigation in support of overseas regulator),

(iv) section 284 of that Act (investigations into affairs of certain collective investment schemes), or

(v) regulations made as a result of section 262(2)(k) of that Act (investigations into open-ended investment companies),

to conduct an investigation; or

(c) a person authorised to exercise powers under—

(i) section 447 of this Act; or

(ii) section 84 of the Companies Act 1989 (exercise of powers to assist overseas regulatory authority).]

(4) Any information which may by virtue of subsection (3) be disclosed to any person may be disclosed to any officer or servant of that person.

(5) The Secretary of State may, if he thinks fit, disclose any information obtained under section 444 to—

(a) the company whose ownership was the subject of the investigation,

(b) any member of the company,

(c) any person whose conduct was investigated in the course of the investigation,

(d) the auditors of the company, or

(e) any person whose financial interests appear to the Secretary of State to be affected by matters covered by the investigation.]

[F73 (6) For the purposes of this section, information obtained by an inspector in consequence of the exercise of his powers under section 453A includes information obtained by a person accompanying the inspector in pursuance of subsection (4) of that section in consequence of that person’s accompanying the inspector.

(7) The reference to an inspector in subsection (2)(b) above includes a reference to a person accompanying an inspector in pursuance of section 453A(4).]

Textual Amendments

F69 S. 451A inserted by Financial Services Act 1986 (c. 60, SIF 69), s. 182, Sch. 13 para. 10 and substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 68, 213(2) Supplementary

F70 S. 451A(1) substituted (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 25, 65; Sch. 2 para. 20(2); S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)

F71 Words in s. 451A(1)(a) substituted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1037(2), 1300; S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

F72 S. 451A(3) substituted (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, art. 24

F73 S. 451A(6)(7) inserted (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 25, 65, Sch. 2 para. 20(3); S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C41 S. 451A extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 11

C42 S. 451A applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

452 Privileged information. U.K.

[F74 (1) Nothing in sections 431 to [F75 446E] compels the disclosure by any person to the Secretary of State or to an inspector appointed by him of information in respect of which in an action in the High Court a claim to legal professional privilege, or in an action in the Court of Session a claim to confidentiality of communications, could be maintained.]

[F76 (1A) Nothing in section 434, 443 or 446 requires a person (except as mentioned in subsection (1B) below) to disclose information or produce documents in respect of which he owes an obligation of confidence by virtue of carrying on the business of banking unless—

(a) the person to whom the obligation of confidence is owed is the company or other body corporate under investigation,

(b) the person to whom the obligation of confidence is owed consents to the disclosure or production, or

(c) the making of the requirement is authorised by the Secretary of State.

(1B) Subsection (1A) does not apply where the person owing the obligation of confidence is the company or other body corporate under investigation under section 431, 432 or 433.]

[F77 (2) Nothing in sections 447 to 451—

(a) compels the production by any person of a document or the disclosure by any person of information in respect of which in an action in the High Court a claim to legal professional privilege, or in an action in the Court of Session a claim to confidentiality of communications, could be maintained;

(b) authorises the taking of possession of any such document which is in the person’s possession.

(3) The Secretary of State must not under section 447 require, or authorise a person to require—

(a) the production by a person carrying on the business of banking of a document relating to the affairs of a customer of his, or

(b) the disclosure by him of information relating to those affairs,

unless one of the conditions in subsection (4) is met.

(4) The conditions are—

(a) the Secretary of State thinks it is necessary to do so for the purpose of investigating the affairs of the person carrying on the business of banking;

(b) the customer is a person on whom a requirement has been imposed under section 447;

(c) the customer is a person on whom a requirement to produce information or documents has been imposed by an investigator appointed by the Secretary of State in pursuance of section 171 or 173 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (powers of persons appointed under section 167 or as a result of section 168(2) to conduct an investigation).

(5) Despite subsections (1) and (2) a person who is a lawyer may be compelled to disclose the name and address of his client.]

Textual Amendments

F74 S. 452(1) substituted (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 25, 65, Sch. 2 para. 21(a); S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)

F75 Words in s. 452(1) substituted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1037(3), 1300; S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48)

F76 S. 452(1A)(1B) inserted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 69(3), 213(2)

F77 S. 452(2)-(5) substituted for s. 452(2)(3) (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 25, 65, Sch. 2 para. 21(b); S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C43 S. 452 extended (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 18, 21, Sch. 4 para. 11

C44 S. 452 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I

453 Investigation of [F78 overseas] companies. U.K.

[F79 (1) The provisions of this Part apply to bodies corporate incorporated outside [F80 the United Kingdom] which are carrying on business in [F80 the United Kingdom], or have at any time carried on business there, as they apply to companies under this Act; but subject to the following exceptions, adaptations and modifications.

(1A) The following provisions do not apply to such bodies—

(a) section 431 (investigation on application of company or its members),

(b) F81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) sections 442 to 445 (investigation of company ownership and power to obtain information as to those interested in shares, &c.), F82 . . .

(d) F82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1B) The other provisions of this Part apply to such bodies subject to such adaptations and modifications as may be specified by regulations made by the Secretary of State.]

(2) Regulations under this section shall be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F78 Word in s. 453 heading substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 57(7)(a)

F79 S. 453(1)(1A)(1B) substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 70, 213(2)

F80 Words in s. 453(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 57(7)(b)

F81 S. 453(1A)(b) repealed (6.4.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1176(3), 1295, 1300, Sch. 16 (with s. 1176(4)); S.I. 2006/3428, arts. 4(1)(b), 7(c), Sch. 4 (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5))

F82 S. 453(1A)(d) and the preceding word "and" repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/2194, art. 8, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 (with art. 12)

[F83 453A Power to enter and remain on premises U.K.

(1) An inspector or investigator may act under subsection (2) in relation to a company if—

(a) he is authorised to do so by the Secretary of State, and

(b) he thinks that to do so will materially assist him in the exercise of his functions under this Part in relation to the company.

(2) An inspector or investigator may at all reasonable times—

(a) require entry to relevant premises, and

(b) remain there for such period as he thinks necessary for the purpose mentioned in subsection (1)(b).

(3) Relevant premises are premises which the inspector or investigator believes are used (wholly or partly) for the purposes of the company’s business.

(4) In exercising his powers under subsection (2), an inspector or investigator may be accompanied by such other persons as he thinks appropriate.

(5) A person who intentionally obstructs a person lawfully acting under subsection (2) or (4)[F84 is guilty of an offence.]

[F85 (5A) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to a fine;

(b) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.]

(6) F86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) An inspector is a person appointed under section 431, 432 or 442.

(8) An investigator is a person authorised for the purposes of section 447.

Textual Amendments

F83 Ss. 453A, 453B inserted (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 23, 65; S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)

F84 Words in s. 453A(5) substituted for s. 453A(5)(a)(b) (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 6(2) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

F85 S. 453A(5A) inserted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 6(3) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(k) (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

F86 S. 453A(6) repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1124, 1295, 1300, Sch. 3 para. 6(4), Sch. 16 (with s. 1133); S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(1)(k), 8, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 (with art. 12, Sch. 3 para. 48 and subject to Sch. 1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C45 S. 453A restricted (20.1.2007, 6.4.2007, 1.10.2007 for specified purposes) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1126, 1300 (with s. 1133); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(2)(b) (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5 (as amended by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 11, Sch. 5)); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(2)(c); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(l)(3)(h) (with art. 12); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(1)(n) (with arts. 7, 12)

453B Power to enter and remain on premises: procedural U.K.

(1) This section applies for the purposes of section 453A.

(2) The requirements of subsection (3) must be complied with at the time an inspector or investigator seeks to enter relevant premises under section 453A(2)(a).

(3) The requirements are—

(a) the inspector or investigator must produce evidence of his identity and evidence of his appointment or authorisation (as the case may be);

(b) any person accompanying the inspector or investigator must produce evidence of his identity.

(4) The inspector or investigator must, as soon as practicable after obtaining entry, give to an appropriate recipient a written statement containing such information as to—

(a) the powers of the investigator or inspector (as the case may be) under section 453A;

(b) the rights and obligations of the company, occupier and the persons present on the premises,

as may be prescribed by regulations.

(5) If during the time the inspector or investigator is on the premises there is no person present who appears to him to be an appropriate recipient for the purposes of subsection (8), the inspector or investigator must as soon as reasonably practicable send to the company—

(a) a notice of the fact and time that the visit took place, and

(b) the statement mentioned in subsection (4).

(6) As soon as reasonably practicable after exercising his powers under section 453A(2), the inspector or investigator must prepare a written record of the visit and—

(a) if requested to do so by the company he must give it a copy of the record;

(b) in a case where the company is not the sole occupier of the premises, if requested to do so by an occupier he must give the occupier a copy of the record.

(7) The written record must contain such information as may be prescribed by regulations.

(8) If the inspector or investigator thinks that the company is the sole occupier of the premises an appropriate recipient is a person who is present on the premises and who appears to the inspector or investigator to be—

(a) an officer of the company, or

(b) a person otherwise engaged in the business of the company if the inspector or investigator thinks that no officer of the company is present on the premises.

(9) If the inspector or investigator thinks that the company is not the occupier or sole occupier of the premises an appropriate recipient is—

(a) a person who is an appropriate recipient for the purposes of subsection (8), and (if different)

(b) a person who is present on the premises and who appears to the inspector or investigator to be an occupier of the premises or otherwise in charge of them.

(10) A statutory instrument containing regulations made under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F83 Ss. 453A, 453B inserted (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 23, 65; S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)

[F87 453C Failure to comply with certain requirements U.K.

(1) This section applies if a person fails to comply with a requirement imposed by an inspector, the Secretary of State or an investigator in pursuance of either of the following provisions—

(a) section 447;

(b) section 453A.

(2) The inspector, Secretary of State or investigator (as the case may be) may certify the fact in writing to the court.

(3) If, after hearing—

(a) any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of the alleged offender;

(b) any statement which may be offered in defence,

the court is satisfied that the offender failed without reasonable excuse to comply with the requirement, it may deal with him as if he had been guilty of contempt of the court.]

Textual Amendments

F87 S. 453C inserted (6.4.2005) by Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 (c. 27), ss. 24, 65; S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)

[F88 453D Offences by bodies corporate U.K.

Where an offence under any of sections 448, 449 to 451 and 453A is committed by a body corporate, every officer of the body who is in default also commits the offence. For this purpose—

(a) any person who purports to act as director, manager or secretary of the body is treated as an officer of the body, and

(b) if the body is a company, any shadow director is treated as an officer of the company.]

Textual Amendments

F88 S. 453D inserted (6.4.2008) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948), arts. 2(2), 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 82 (with arts. 6, 11, 12)