Valid from 06/04/2005
(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)—
(a)is guilty of an offence, and
(b)is liable on conviction to a fine.
(6)Sections 732 (restriction on prosecutions), 733 (liability of individuals for corporate default) and 734 (criminal proceedings against unincorporated bodies) apply to the offence under subsection (5).
(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
F1Ss. 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)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 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)