- Latest available (Revised)
- Point in Time (01/04/2016)
- Original (As enacted)
Version Superseded: 01/03/2017
Point in time view as at 01/04/2016. This version of this provision has been superseded.
You are viewing this legislation item as it stood at a particular point in time. A later version of this or provision, including subsequent changes and effects, supersedes this version.
Note the term provision is used to describe a definable element in a piece of legislation that has legislative effect – such as a Part, Chapter or section.
Water Act 1989, Section 174 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 15 August 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.
Changes and effects yet to be applied by the editorial team are only applicable when viewing the latest version or prospective version of legislation. They are therefore not accessible when viewing legislation as at a specific point in time. To view the ‘Changes to Legislation’ information for this provision return to the latest version view using the options provided in the ‘What Version’ box above.
(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, no information with respect to any particular business which—
(a)has been obtained by virtue of any of the provisions of this Act; and
(b)relates to the 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 carrying out by the Secretary of State, the Minister, [F1the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency], [F2the Natural Resources Body for Wales,] [F3the Water Services Regulation Authority, the Consumer Council for Water] , the [F4Competition and Markets Authority] or a local authority of any of his, its or, as the case may be, their functions by virtue of this Act [F5or any of the water consolidation Acts] [F6, the Environment Act 1995 [F7, the Water Act 2003 or the Natural Resources Body for Wales (Establishment) Order 2012 (S.I.2012/1903)]] ;
(b)for the purpose of facilitating the performance by a water undertaker [F8, sewerage undertaker or [F9person] holding a licence under Chapter 1A of Part 2 of the Water Industry Act 1991] of any of the duties imposed [F10on the undertaker or, as the case may be, the person] by or under this Act [F5or any of the water consolidation Acts];
[F11(c)in pursuance of any duty imposed by section 197(1)(a) or (2) or [F12203(1), (1A), (2) or (2A)] of the Water Resources Act 1991 [F13or section 27H of the Water Industry Act 1991] ;]
(d)for the purpose of facilitating the carrying out by—
(i)any Minister of the Crown;
F14(ii). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(iii)the [F15Competition and Markets Authority] ;
(iv)[F16the Office of Communications];
(v)the Civil Aviation Authority;
(vi)the Director General of Gas Supply;
(vii)the Director General of Electricity Supply; or
(viii)a local weights and measures authority in England and Wales,
of any of his, its or, as the case may be, their functions under any of the enactments or instruments specified in subsection (3) below;
[F17(e)for the purpose of enabling or assisting the Secretary of State, the Treasury [F18, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority or the Bank of England] to exercise any powers conferred by or under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 [F19, by or under the Consumer Credit Act 1974] or by the enactments relating to companies or insolvency;
(ea)for the purpose of enabling or assisting any inspector appointed under enactments relating to companies to carry out his functions;]
(f)for the purpose of enabling an official receiver to carry out his functions under the enactments relating to insolvency or for the purpose of enabling or assisting a recognised professional body for the purposes of section 391 of the M1Insolvency Act 1986 to carry out its functions as such;
(g)for the purpose of facilitating the carrying out by F20... the Health and Safety Executive of any of its functions under any enactment or of facilitating the carrying out by any enforcing authority, within the meaning of Part I of the M2Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, of any functions under a relevant statutory provision, within the meaning of that Act;
[F21(ga)for the purpose of facilitating the carrying out by the Office for Nuclear Regulation of any of its functions under any enactment;]
(h)for the purpose of facilitating the carrying out by the Comptroller and Auditor General of any of his functions under any enactment;
(i)in connection with the investigation of any criminal offence or for the purposes of any criminal proceedings;
(j)for the purposes of any civil proceedings brought under or by virtue of this Act [F22, any of the water consolidation Acts][F23, the Environment Act 1995] [F24, the Water Act 2003] or any of the enactments or instruments specified in subsection (3) below or of any arbitration under this Act [F25or any of those Acts]; or
(k)in pursuance of [F26an EU] obligation.
(3)The enactments and instruments referred to in subsection (2) above are—
(a)the M3Trade Descriptions Act 1968;
(b)the M4Fair Trading Act 1973;
(c)the M5Consumer Credit Act 1974;
F27(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F27(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(f)the M6Estate Agents Act 1979;
(g)the M7Competition Act 1980;
(h)the M8Telecommunications Act 1984;
(i)the M9Airports Act 1986;
(j)the M10Gas Act 1986;
(k)the M11Consumer Protection Act 1987;
(l)the Electricity Act 1989;
[F28(ll)the Competition Act 1998]
[F29(lm)Part I of the Transport Act 2000.]
[F30(ln)the Enterprise Act 2002;]
[F31(lo)the Communications Act 2003;]
[F32(lp)any subordinate legislation made for the purpose of securing compliance with Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market;]
[F33(m)any subordinate legislation made for the purpose of securing compliance with Directive 2006/114/ [F34European Union] of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 concerning misleading and comparative advertising.]
[F35(n)Part 1 of the Civil Aviation Act 2012]
[F36(o)Parts 3 and 4 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.]
(4)Nothing in subsection (1) above shall be construed—
(a)as limiting the matters which may be published under [F37section 201 of the Water Industry Act 1991] or may be included in, or made public as part of, a report of [F38the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency], [F39the Natural Resources Body for Wales] [F40the Water Services Regulation Authority] , [F41the Consumer Council for Water (or any regional committee of that Council established under section 27A of the Water Industry Act 1991)] or the [F42Competition and Markets Authority] under any provision of [F37the water consolidation Acts][F43or the Environment Act 1995]; or
(b)as applying to any information which has been so published or has been made public as part of such a report or to any information exclusively of a statistical nature.
(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.
(6)Subject to subsection (7) below, nothing in this section shall preclude the disclosure of information—
(a)if the disclosure is of information relating to a matter connected with the carrying out of the functions of a water undertaker or sewerage undertaker [F44, or with the carrying on by a [F45person] holding a licence under Chapter 1A of Part 2 of the Water Industry Act 1991 of activities under [F46the person's licence] ,] and is made by one Minister of the Crown or Government department to another; or
(b)if the disclosure is for the purpose of enabling or assisting any public or other authority for the time being designated for the purposes of this section by an order made by the Secretary of State to discharge any functions which are specified in the order.
(7)The power to make an order under subsection (6) above shall be exercisable by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament; and where such an order designates an authority for the purposes of paragraph (b) of that subsection, the order may—
(a)impose conditions subject to which the disclosure of information is permitted by virtue of that paragraph; and
(b)otherwise restrict the circumstances in which disclosure is so permitted.
[F47(8)in this section “the water consolidation Acts” means the Water Resources Act 1991, the Water Industry Act 1991, F48... the Land Drainage Act 1991 and the Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 174(2)(a) substituted (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/593, reg. 3, Sch. 2 para. 3(2)(a)
F2Words in s. 174(2)(a) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 192(2)(a) (with Sch. 7)
F3Words in s. 174(2)(a) substituted (1.10.2005 for specified purposes, 1.4.2006 in so far as not already in force) by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), s. 105(3), Sch. 7 para. 26(2)(a)(i); S.I. 2005/2714, art. 2(l)(aa)(iv), 4(f)
F4Words in s. 174(2)(a) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 60(2)(a) (with art. 3)
F5Words inserted by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), s. 2, Sch. 1 para. 50(2)(a)
F6Words in s. 174(2)(a) substituted (1.4.2004) by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), s. 105(3), Sch. 7 para. 26(2)(a)(i)(b); S.I. 2004/641, art. 3(y), Sch. 2 (with Sch. 3 para. 7)
F7Words in s. 174(2)(a) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 192(2)(b) (with Sch. 7)
F8Words in s. 174(2)(b) substituted (1.12.2005) by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), s. 105(3), Sch. 8 para. 1(2); S.I. 2005/2714, art. 3(c)
F9Word in s. 174(2)(b) substituted (1.4.2016) by Water Act 2014 (c. 21), s. 94(3), Sch. 7 para. 1(2)(a); S.I. 2016/465, art. 2(m), Sch. 1 para. 1(a) (with Sch. 2)
F10Words in s. 174(2)(b) substituted (1.4.2016) by Water Act 2014 (c. 21), s. 94(3), Sch. 7 para. 1(2)(b); S.I. 2016/465, art. 2(m), Sch. 1 para. 1(a) (with Sch. 2)
F11S. 174(2)(c) substituted by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), s. 2, Sch. 1 para. 50(2)(b)
F12Words in s. 174(2)(c) substituted (1.12.2005) by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), s. 105(3), Sch. 8 para. 1(3); S.I. 2005/2714, art. 3(c)
F13Words in s. 174(2)(c) substituted (1.10.2005) by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), s. 105(3), Sch. 7 para. 26(2)(a)(ii); S.I. 2005/2714, art. 2(l)(bb)(iv)
F14S. 174(2)(d)(ii) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 60(2)(b) (with art. 3)
F15Words in s. 174(2)(d)(iii) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 60(2)(a) (with art. 3)
F16S. 174(2)(d)(iv) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 17 para. 96(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)
F17S. 174(2)(e)(ea) substituted (1.12.2001) for s. 174(2)(e) by S.I. 2001/3649, arts. 1, 316
F18Words in s. 174(2)(e) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 18 para. 61 (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F19Words in s. 174(2)(e) inserted (26.7.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2014 in force in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consumer Credit) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1882), arts. 1(1), 10(1)
F20Words in s. 174(2)(g) omitted (1.4.2008) by virtue of The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 1, Sch. 3 (with art. 21, Sch. 2)
F21S. 174(2)(ga) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 59; S.I. 2014/251, art. 4
F22Words inserted by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), s. 2, Sch. 1 para. 50(2)(c)
F23Words in s. 174(2)(j) inserted (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/593, reg. 3, Sch. 2 para. 3(3)
F24Words in s. 174(2)(j) inserted (1.4.2004) by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), s. 105(3), Sch. 7 para. 26(2)(a)(iii); S.I. 2004/641, art. 3(y), Sch. 2 (with Sch. 3 para. 7)
F25Words inserted by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), s. 2, Sch. 1 para. 50(2)(c)
F26Words in Act substituted (22.4.2011) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1043), arts. 2, 3, 6 (with art. 3(2)(3)4(2)6(4)(5))
F27S. 174(3)(d)(e) repealed (1.3.2000) by 1998 c. 41, s. 66(5), Sch. 10 Pt. IV para. 11(a), Sch. 14 Pt. I (with s. 73); S.I. 2000/344, art. 2, Sch.
F28S. 174(3)(ll) inserted (11.1.1999) by 1998 c. 41, s. 66(5), Sch. 10 Pt. IV para. 11(b) (with s. 73); S.I. 1998/3166, art. 2, Sch.
F29S. 174(3)(lm) inserted (21.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/4050, art. 2, Sch. Pt. IV para. 20
F30S. 174(3)(ln) inserted (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 25 para. 19(2)(b); S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3) (as amended (20.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1846, reg. 3(2), Sch.)
F31S. 174(3)(lo) inserted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 17 para. 96(3) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)
F32S. 174(3)(lp) inserted (26.5.2008) by The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1277), reg. 1, Sch. 2 para. 47(a) (with reg. 28(2)(3))
F33S. 174(3)(m) substituted (26.5.2008) by The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1277), reg. 1, Sch. 2 para. 47(b) (with reg. 28(2)(3))
F34Words in Act substituted (22.4.2011) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1043), arts. 2, 3, 4 (with art. 3(2)(3), 4(2), 6(4)(5))
F35S. 174(3)(n) inserted (6.4.2013) by Civil Aviation Act 2012 (c. 19), s. 110(1), Sch. 9 para. 5 (with Sch. 10 paras. 12, 17); S.I. 2013/589, art. 2(3)
F36S. 174(3)(o) inserted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 60(3) (with art. 3)
F37Words substituted by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), s. 2, Sch. 1 para. 50(2)(d)
F38Words in s. 174(4)(a) substituted (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/593, reg. 3, Sch. 2 para. 3(4)(a)
F39Words in s. 174(4)(a) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 192(3) (with Sch. 7)
F40Words in s. 174(4)(a) substituted (1.4.2006) by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), s. 105(3), Sch. 7 para. 26(2)(b)(i); S.I. 2005/2714, art. 4(f)
F41Words in s. 174(4)(a) substituted (1.10.2005) by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), s. 105(3), Sch. 7 para. 26(2)(b)(ii); S.I. 2005/2714, art. 2(l)(bb)(iv)
F42Words in s. 174(4) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 60(4) (with art. 3)
F43Words in s. 174(4)(a) added (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/593, reg. 3, Sch. 2 para. 3(4)(b)
F44Words in s. 174(6)(a) inserted (1.4.2004) by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), s. 105(3), Sch. 8 para. 1(4); S.I. 2004/641, art. 3(y), Sch. 2 (with Sch. 3 para. 7)
F45Word in s. 174(6)(a) substituted (1.4.2016) by Water Act 2014 (c. 21), s. 94(3), Sch. 7 para. 1(3)(a); S.I. 2016/465, art. 2(m), Sch. 1 para. 1(a) (with Sch. 2)
F46Words in s. 174(6)(a) substituted (1.4.2016) by Water Act 2014 (c. 21), s. 94(3), Sch. 7 para. 1(3)(b); S.I. 2016/465, art. 2(m), Sch. 1 para. 1(a) (with Sch. 2)
F47S. 174(8) inserted by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), s. 2, Sch. 1 para. 50(2)(e)
F48Words in s. 174(8) omitted (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(r), Sch. 23 para. 28(3)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 174 modified (8.2.2007 immediately before the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36) comes into force) by The Wireless Telegraphy (Pre-Consolidation Amendments) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1391), art. 1, Sch. para. 7(3)(a)
Marginal Citations
The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.
Would you like to continue?
The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.
Would you like to continue?
The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.
Would you like to continue?
The Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.
Would you like to continue?
Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.
Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.
Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.
Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.
Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.
Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including: