Companies Act 1989

Part III U.K. Investigations and Powers to Obtain Information

Amendments of the Companies Act 1985 U.K.

55 Investigations by inspectors not leading to published report. U.K.

In section 432 of the M1 Companies Act 1985 (appointment of inspectors by Secretary of State), after subsection (2) (investigation of circumstances suggesting misconduct) insert—

“(2A) Inspectors may be appointed under subsection (2) on terms that any report they may make is not for publication; and in such a case, the provisions of section 437(3) (availability and publication of inspectors’ reports) do not apply.”.

Marginal Citations

M1 1985 c. 6.

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

(1) Section 434 of the Companies Act 1985 (production of documents and evidence to inspectors) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) (duty of officers to assist inspectors), for “books and documents” substitute “documents”.

(3) For subsection (2)(power to require production of documents, attendance or other assistance) substitute—

“(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.”.

(4) For subsection (3) (power to examine on oath) substitute—

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

(5) After subsection (5) insert—

“(6) In this section “documents” includes information recorded in any form; and, in relation to information recorded otherwise than in legible form, the power to require its production includes power to require the production of a copy of the information in legible form.”.

(6) In section 436 of the M2 Companies Act 1985 (obstruction of inspectors treated as contempt of court), for subsections (1) and (2) substitute—

“(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.”.

Marginal Citations

M2 1985 c. 6.

57 Duty of inspectors to report. U.K.

In section 437 of the Companies Act 1985 (inspectors’ reports), after subsection (1A) insert—

“(1B) If it appears to the Secretary of State that matters have come to light in the course of the inspectors’ investigation which suggest that a criminal offence has been committed, and those matters have been referred to the appropriate prosecuting authority, he may direct the inspectors to take no further steps in the investigation or to take only such further steps as are specified in the direction.

(1C) Where an investigation is the subject of a direction under subsection (1B), the inspectors shall make a final report to the Secretary of State only where—

(a) they were appointed under section 432(1) (appointment in pursuance of an order of the court), or

(b) the Secretary of State directs them to do so.”.

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

In section 438 of the Companies Act 1985 (power to bring civil proceedings on the company’s behalf), for the opening words of subsection (1) down to “it appears to the Secretary of State” substitute “If from any report made or information obtained under this Part it appears to the Secretary of State”.

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

(1) Section 439 of the Companies Act 1985 (expenses of investigating a company’s affairs) is amended as follows.

(2) For subsection (1) substitute—

“(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.”.

(3) In subsection (4) for “the inspectors’ report” substitute “ an inspectors’ report ”.

(4) For subsection (5) substitute—

“(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.”.

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

(1) Section 440 of the M3 Companies Act 1985 (power of Secretary of State to present winding-up petition) is repealed; but the following amendments have the effect of re-enacting that provision, with modifications.

(2) In section 124(4) of the M4 Insolvency Act 1986 (application by Secretary of State for company to be wound up by the court), for paragraph (b) substitute—

“(b) in a case falling within section 124A below.”.

(3) After that section insert—

“124A Petition for winding up on grounds of public interest.

(1) Where it appears to the Secretary of State from—

(a) any report made or information obtained under Part XIV of the Companies Act 1985 (company investigations, &c.),

(b) any report made under section 94 or 177 of the Financial Services Act 1986 or any information obtained under section 105 of that Act,

(c) any information obtained under section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987 or section 52 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1987 (fraud investigations), or

(d) any information obtained under section 83 of the Companies Act 1989 (powers exercisable for purpose of assisting overseas regulatory authorities),

that it is expedient in the public interest that a company should be wound up, he may present a petition for it to be wound up if the court thinks it just and equitable for it to be so.

(2) This section does not apply if the company is already being wound up by the court.”.

Marginal Citations

M3 1985 c. 6.

M4 1986 c. 45.

61 Inspectors’ reports as evidence. U.K.

In section 441 of the Companies Act 1985 (inspectors’ reports to be evidence), in subsection (1) for “sections 431 or 432” substitute “ this Part ”.

62 Investigation of company ownership. U.K.

In section 442 of the Companies Act 1985 (power to investigate company ownership), for subsection (3) (investigation on application by members of company) substitute—

“(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.”.

63 Secretary of State’s power to require production of documents. U.K.

(1) Section 447 of the M5 Companies Act 1985 (power of Secretary of State to require production of documents) is amended as follows.

(2) Omit subsection (1) (bodies in relation to which powers exercisable), and—

(a) in subsections (2) and (3) for “any such body” substitute “a company”,

(b) in subsections (4) and (5) for “any body” and “a body” substitute “a company”, and

(c) in subsections (5) and (6) for “the body” substitute “the company”.

(3) For “books or papers”, wherever occurring, substitute “documents”.

(4) In subsection (3) (power to authorise officer to require production of documents) after “an officer of his” insert “or any other competent person”, after “the officer” in the first place where it occurs insert “or other person” and for “the officer” in the second place where it occurs substitute “he (the officer or other person)”.

(5) In subsection (4) (power to require production of documents in possession of third party) after “an officer of his” and after “the officer” (twice) insert “or other person”.

(6) In subsection (6), for the second sentence substitute—

“Sections 732 (restriction on prosecutions), 733 (liability of individuals for corporate default) and 734 (criminal proceedings against unincorporated bodies) apply to this offence.”.

(7) After subsection (8) insert—

“(9) In this section “documents” includes information recorded in any form; and, in relation to information recorded otherwise than in legible form, the power to require its production includes power to require the production of a copy of it in legible form.”.

(8) In Schedule 24 to the M6 Companies Act 1985 (punishment of offences), in the entry relating to section 447(6), for “books and papers” substitute “documents”.

Marginal Citations

M5 1985 c. 6.

M6 1985 c. 6.

64 Entry and search of premises. U.K.

(1) For section 448 of the Companies Act 1985 (entry and search of premises) substitute—

“448 Entry and search of premises.

(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 and liable to a fine.

Sections 732 (restriction on prosecutions), 733 (liability of individuals for corporate default) and 734 (criminal proceedings against unincorporated bodies) apply to this offence.

(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.”.

(2) In Schedule 24 to the M7 Companies Act 1985 (punishment of offences), in the entry relating to section 448(5)—

(a) in the first column for “448(5)” substitute “448(7)”, and

(b) for the entry in the second column substitute—

“Obstructing the exercise of any rights conferred by a warrant or failing to comply with a requirement imposed under subsection (3)(d).”.

Marginal Citations

M7 1985 c. 6.

65 Provision for security of information obtained. U.K.

(1) Section 449 of the M8 Companies Act 1985 (provision for security of information obtained) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) (purposes for which disclosure permitted)—

(a) in the opening words for “body” (twice) substitute “company”;

(b) for paragraph (c) substitute—

“(c) for the purposes of enabling or assisting any inspector appointed under this Part, or under section 94 or 177 of the Financial Services Act 1986, to discharge his functions;”;

(c) after that paragraph insert —

“(cc) for the purpose of enabling or assisting any person authorised to exercise powers under section 44 of the Insurance Companies Act 1982, section 447 of this Act, section 106 of the Financial Services Act 1986 or section 84 of the Companies Act 1989 to discharge his functions;”;

(d) in paragraph (d) for “or the Financial Services Act 1986” substitute “, the Financial Services Act 1986 or Part II, III or VII of the Companies Act 1989,”;

(e) omit paragraph (e);

(f) in paragraph (h) for “(n) or (p)” substitute “or (n)”;

(g) after that paragraph insert—

“(hh) for the purpose of enabling or assisting a body established by order under section 46 of the Companies Act 1989 to discharge its functions under Part II of that Act, or of enabling or assisting a recognised supervisory or qualifying body within the meaning of that Part to discharge its functions as such;”;

(h) after paragraph (l) insert—

“(ll) with a view to the institution of, or otherwise for the purposes of, any disciplinary proceedings relating to the discharge by a public servant of his duties;”;

(i) for paragraph (m) substitute—

“(m) for the purpose of enabling or assisting an overseas regulatory authority to exercise its regulatory functions.”.

(3) For subsection (1A) substitute—

“(1A) In subsection (1)—

(a) in paragraph (ll) “public servant” means an officer or servant of the Crown or of any public or other authority for the time being designated for the purposes of that paragraph by the Secretary of State by order made by statutory instrument; and

(b) in paragraph (m) “overseas regulatory authority” and “regulatory functions” have the same meaning as in section 82 of the Companies Act 1989.”.

(4) In subsection (1B) (disclosure to designated public authorities) for “designated for the purposes of this section” substitute “designated for the purposes of this subsection”.

(5) In subsection (2), for the second sentence substitute—

“Sections 732 (restriction on prosecutions), 733 (liability of individuals for corporate default) and 734 (criminal proceedings against unincorporated bodies) apply to this offence.”.

(6) For subsection (3) substitute—

“(3) For the purposes of this section each of the following is a competent authority—

(a) the Secretary of State,

(b) an inspector appointed under this Part or under section 94 or 177 of the Financial Services Act 1986,

(c) any person authorised to exercise powers under section 44 of the Insurance Companies Act 1982, section 447 of this Act, section 106 of the Financial Services Act 1986 or section 84 of the Companies Act 1989,

(d) the Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland,

(e) the Treasury,

(f) the Bank of England,

(g) the Lord Advocate,

(h) the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland,

(i) any designated agency or transferee body within the meaning of the Financial Services Act 1986, and any body administering a scheme under section 54 of or paragraph 18 of Schedule 11 to that Act (schemes for compensation of investors),

(j) the Chief Registrar of friendly societies and the Registrar of Friendly Societies for Northern Ireland,

(k) the Industrial Assurance Commissioner and the Industrial Assurance Commissioner for Northern Ireland,

(l) any constable,

(m) any procurator fiscal.

(3A) Any information which may by virtue of this section be disclosed to a competent authority may be disclosed to any officer or servant of the authority.”.

(7) In subsection (4) (orders) for “subsection (1B)” substitute “subsection (1A)(a) or (1B)”.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 65 partly in force see s. 215 and S.I. 1990/142; s. 65(2) in force for certain purposes on 25.4.1991 see s. 215 and S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M8 1985 c. 6.

66 Punishment for destroying, mutilating, &c. company documents. U.K.

(1) Section 450 of the M9 Companies Act 1985 (punishment for destroying, mutilating, &c. company documents) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) for the opening words down to “insurance company” substitute “An officer of a company, or of an insurance company”, for “body’s” substitute “company’s” and for “the body” substitute “the company”.

(3) For subsection (4) substitute—

“(4) Sections 732 (restriction on prosecutions), 733 (liability of individuals for corporate default) and 734 (criminal proceedings against unincorporated bodies) apply to an offence under this section.”.

(4) After that subsection insert—

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

Marginal Citations

M9 1985 c. 6.

67 Punishment for furnishing false information. U.K.

In section 451 of the M10 Companies Act 1985 (punishment for furnishing false information), for the second sentence substitute—

“Sections 732 (restriction on prosecutions), 733 (liability of individuals for corporate default) and 734 (criminal proceedings against unincorporated bodies) apply to this offence.”.

Marginal Citations

M10 1985 c. 6.

68 Disclosure of information by Secretary of State or inspector. U.K.

For section 451A of the Companies Act 1985 (disclosure of information by the Secretary of State) substitute—

“451A Disclosure of information by Secretary of State or inspector.

(1) This section applies to information obtained under sections 434 to 446.

(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.

(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 or an inspector appointed under section 94 or 177 of the Financial Services Act 1986, or

(b) a person authorised to exercise powers under section 44 of the Insurance Companies Act 1982, section 447 of this Act, section 106 of the Financial Services Act 1986 or section 84 of the Companies Act 1989.

(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.”.

69 Protection of banking information. U.K.

(1) Section 452 of the M11 Companies Act 1985 (privileged information) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1), omit paragraph (b) (disclosure by bankers of information relating to their customers).

(3) After that subsection insert—

“(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.”.

(4) In subsection (3) after “officer of his” insert “or other person”.

Marginal Citations

M11 1985 c. 6.

70 Investigation of oversea companies. U.K.

In section 453 of the Companies Act 1985 (investigation of oversea companies), for subsection (1) substitute—

“(1) The provisions of this Part apply to bodies corporate incorporated outside Great Britain which are carrying on business in Great Britain, 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) section 438 (power to bring civil proceedings on the company’s behalf),

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

(d) section 446 (investigation of share dealings).

(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.”.

71 Investigation of unregistered companies. U.K.

In Schedule 22 to the Companies Act 1985 (provisions applying to unregistered companies), for the entry relating to Part XIV substitute—

“Part XIV (except section 446)

Investigation of companies and their affairs; requisition of documents.

—”.

Amendments of the Financial Services Act 1986 U.K.

72 Investigations into collective investment schemes. U.K.

(1) Section 94 of the M12 Financial Services Act 1986 (investigations into collective investment schemes) is amended as follows.

(2) For subsection (7) (privilege on grounds of banker’s duty of confidentiality) substitute—

“(7) Nothing in this section requires a person (except as mentioned in subsection (7A) below) to disclose any information or produce any document 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 consents to the disclosure or production, or

(b) the making of the requirement was authorised by the Secretary of State.

(7A) Subsection (7) does not apply where the person owing the obligation of confidence or the person to whom it is owed is—

(a) the manager, operator or trustee of the scheme under investigation, or

(b) a manager, operator or trustee whose own affairs are under investigation.”.

(3) After subsection (8) (duty of inspectors to report) insert—

“(8A) If it appears to the Secretary of State that matters have come to light in the course of the inspectors’ investigation which suggest that a criminal offence has been committed, and those matters have been referred to the appropriate prosecuting authority, he may direct the inspectors to take no further steps in the investigation or to take only such further steps as are specified in the direction.

(8B) Where an investigation is the subject of a direction under subsection (8A), the inspectors shall make a final report to the Secretary of State only where the Secretary of State directs them to do so.”.

(4) After subsection (9) add—

“(10) A person who is convicted on a prosecution instituted as a result of an investigation under this section may in the same proceedings be ordered to pay the expenses of the investigation to such extent as may be specified in the order.

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.”.

Marginal Citations

M12 1986 c. 60.

73 Investigations into affairs of persons carrying on investment business. U.K.

(1) Section 105 of the Financial Services Act 1986 (investigation into affairs of person carrying on investment business) is amended as follows.

(2) Omit subsection (7) (privilege on grounds of banker’s duty of confidentiality).

(3) In subsection (9) (interpretation), in the definition of “documents”, for “references to its production include references to producing” substitute “the power to require its production includes power to require the production of”.

(4) After subsection (10) add—

“(11) A person who is convicted on a prosecution instituted as a result of an investigation under this section may in the same proceedings be ordered to pay the expenses of the investigation to such extent as may be specified in the order.

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.”.

(5) In section 106 of the M13 Financial Services Act 1986 (exercise of investigation powers by officer, &c.), after subsection (2) insert—

“(2A) A person shall not by virtue of an authority under this section be required to disclose any information or produce any documents in respect of which he owes an obligation of confidence by virtue of carrying on the business of banking unless—

(a) he is the person under investigation or a related company,

(b) the person to whom the obligation of confidence is owed is the person under investigation or a related company,

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

(d) the imposing on him of a requirement with respect to such information or documents has been specifically authorised by the Secretary of State.

In this subsection “documents”, “person under investigation” and “related company” have the same meaning as in section 105.”.

Marginal Citations

M13 1986 c. 60.

74 Investigations into insider dealing. U.K.

(1) Section 177 of the Financial Services Act 1986 (investigations into insider dealing) is amended as follows.

(2) After subsection (2) (power to limit period or scope of investigation) insert—

“(2A) At any time during the investigation the Secretary of State may vary the appointment by limiting or extending the period during which the inspector is to continue his investigation or by confining the investigation to particular matters.”.

(3) After subsection (5) (duty of inspectors to report) insert—

“(5A) If the Secretary of State thinks fit, he may direct the inspector to take no further steps in the investigation or to take only such further steps as are specified in the direction; and where an investigation is the subject of such a direction, the inspectors shall make a final report to the Secretary of State only where the Secretary of State directs them to do so.”.

(4) For subsection (8) (privilege on grounds of banker’s duty of confidentiality) substitute—

“(8) A person shall not under this section be required to disclose any information or produce any document 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 consents to the disclosure or production, or

(b) the making of the requirement was authorised by the Secretary of State.”.

(5) In subsection (10) (definition of “documents”) for “references to its production include references to producing” substitute “the power to require its production includes power to require the production of”.

(6) After subsection (10) add—

“(11) A person who is convicted on a prosecution instituted as a result of an investigation under this section may in the same proceedings be ordered to pay the expenses of the investigation to such extent as may be specified in the order.

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.”.

75 Restrictions on disclosure of information. U.K.

(1) In section 179(3) of the M14 Financial Services Act 1986 (persons who are “primary recipients” for purposes of provisions restricting disclosure of information)—

(a) omit the word “and” preceding paragraph (i);

(b) in that paragraph, after “any such person” insert “as is mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (h) above”;

(c) after that paragraph insert—

“(j) any constable or other person named in a warrant issued under this Act.”.

(2) Section 180 of the Financial Services Act 1986 (exceptions from restrictions on disclosure) is amended as follows.

(3) In subsection (1) (purposes for which disclosure permitted)—

(a) in paragraph (c), after “insolvency” insert “or by Part II, III or VII of the Companies Act 1989”;

(b) for paragraph (e) substitute—

“(e) for the purpose—

(i) of enabling or assisting a designated agency to discharge its functions under this Act or Part VII of the Companies Act 1989,

(ii) of enabling or assisting a transferee body or the competent authority to discharge its functions under this Act, or

(iii) of enabling or assisting the body administering a scheme under section 54 above to discharge its functions under the scheme;”;

(c) after paragraph (h) insert—

“(hh) for the purpose of enabling or assisting a body established by order under section 46 of the Companies Act 1989 to discharge its functions under Part II of that Act, or of enabling or assisting a recognised supervisory or qualifying body within the meaning of that Part to discharge its functions as such;”;

(d) after paragraph (o) insert—

“(oo) with a view to the institution of, or otherwise for the purposes of, any disciplinary proceedings relating to the discharge by a public servant of his duties;”;

(e) in paragraph (p), after “under” insert “section 44 of the Insurance Companies Act 1982, section 447 of the Companies Act 1985,” and after “above” insert “or section 84 of the Companies Act 1989”;

(f) after paragraph (q) insert—

“(qq) for the purpose of enabling or assisting an overseas regulatory authority to exercise its regulatory functions;”.

(4) After that subsection insert—

“(1A) In subsection (1)—

(a) in paragraph (oo) “public servant” means an officer or servant of the Crown or of any public or other authority for the time being designated for the purposes of that paragraph by order of the Secretary of State; and

(b) in paragraph (qq) “overseas regulatory authority” and “regulatory functions” have the same meaning as in section 82 of the Companies Act 1989.”.

(5) In subsection (3) (disclosure to designated public authorities) for “designated for the purposes of this section” substitute “designated for the purposes of this subsection”.

(6) Omit subsection (6) (disclosure to certain overseas authorities).

(7) In subsection (9) (orders) for “subsection (3) or (8)” substitute “subsection (1A)(a), (3) or (8).”

Commencement Information

I2 S. 75 partly in force see s. 215 and S.I. 1990/98, 1991/142; s. 75(3) in force for certain purposes on 25.4.1991 see s. 215 and S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M14 1986 c. 60.

76 Entry and search of premises. U.K.

(1) Section 199 of the M15 Financial Services Act 1986 (powers of entry) is amended as follows.

(2) For subsections (1) and (2) substitute—

“(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 that there are reasonable grounds for believing that an offence has been committed—

(a) under section 4, 47, 57, 130, 133 or 171(2) or (3) above, or

(b) section 1, 2, 4 or 5 of the Company Securities (Insider Dealing) Act 1985,

and that there are on any premises documents relevant to the question whether that offence has been committed.

(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 section 94, 106 or 177 above, that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there are on any premises documents whose production has been required under section 94, 105 or 177 above and which have not been produced in compliance with the requirement.”.

(3) In subsection (3)(b) for “subsection (1)(a) or (b)” substitute “subsection (1)”.

(4) In subsection (5) (period for which documents may be retained), for paragraph (b) substitute—

“(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.”.

(5) In subsection (6) (offences) after “Any person who” insert “intentionally”.

(6) In subsection (7) for “subsection (1)(a) above” substitute “subsection (1) above”.

(7) For subsection (8) substitute—

“(8) 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.”.

(8) In subsection (9) (definition of “documents”), omit the words from “and, in relation” to the end.

Marginal Citations

M15 1986 c. 60.

Amendments of other enactments U.K.

77 Amendments of the Insurance Companies Act 1982. U.K.

(1) Part II of the M16 Insurance Companies Act 1982 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 44 (power to obtain information and require production of documents), for “books or papers” (wherever occurring) substitute “documents”, and for subsection (6) substitute—

“(6) In this section “document” includes information recorded in any form; and, in relation to information recorded otherwise than in legible form, the power to require its production includes power to require the production of a copy of the information in legible form.”.

(3) After that section insert—

“44A Entry and search of premises.

(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 authorised to exercise powers under section 44 above, that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there are on any premises documents whose production has been required under section 44(2) to (4) above 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 authorised to exercise powers under section 44 above—

(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, as the case may be, the authorised person has power to require the production of the documents under section 44(2) to (4) above, 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) 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.

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

(4) In section 47A(1) (restriction on disclosure of information), after “section 44(2) to (4)” insert “or 44A”.

(5) In section 71 (offences and penalties), after subsection (2) insert—

“(2A) A person who intentionally obstructs the exercise of any rights conferred by a warrant issued under section 44A above or fails without reasonable excuse to comply with any requirement imposed in accordance with subsection (3)(d) of that section is guilty of an offence and liable—

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

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

(6) In section 71(6) (defence to failure to comply with requirement to produce books or papers) for “books or papers” substitute “documents”.

Marginal Citations

M16 1982 c. 50.

78 Amendment of the Insolvency Act 1986. U.K.

In section 218(5) of the M17 Insolvency Act 1986 (investigation by Secretary of State on report by liquidator), for paragraph (a) substitute—

“(a) shall thereupon investigate the matter reported to him and such other matters relating to the affairs of the company as appear to him to require investigation, and”.

Marginal Citations

M17 1986 c. 45.

79 Amendment of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. U.K.

In section 8 of the M18 Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (disqualification after investigation of company), after “section 52 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1987” insert “or section 83 of the Companies Act 1989”.

Marginal Citations

M18 1986 c. 46.

80 Amendment of the Building Societies Act 1986. U.K.

In section 53 of the M19 Building Societies Act 1986 (confidentiality of information obtained by the Building Societies Commission), in subsection (7)(b) (functions of Secretary of State for purposes of which disclosure may be made) after sub-paragraph (ii) insert—

“, or

(iii) Part II, III or VII of the Companies Act 1989;”.

Commencement Information

I3 S. 80 wholly in force at 25.4.1991 see s. 215 and S.I. 1990/142 and 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M19 1986 c. 53.

81 Amendments of the Banking Act 1987. U.K.

(1) In section 84(1) of the M20 Banking Act 1987 (disclosure of information obtained under that Act), the Table showing the authorities to which, and functions for the purposes of which, disclosure may be made is amended as follows.

(2) In the entry relating to the Secretary of State, in column 2, for “or the Financial Services Act 1986” substitute “, the Financial Services Act 1986 or Part II, III or VII of the Companies Act 1989”.

(3) For the entry relating to inspectors appointed by the Secretary of State substitute—

““An inspector appointed under Part XIV of the Companies Act 1985 or section 94 or 177 of the Financial Services Act 1986.

Functions under that Part or that section.”.

(4) For the entry beginning “A person authorised by the Secretary of State” substitute—

“A person authorised to exercise powers under section 44 of the Insurance Companies Act 1982, section 447 of the Companies Act 1985, section 106 of the Financial Services Act 1986 or section 84 of the Companies Act 1989.

Functions under that section.”.

(5) For the entry relating to a designated agency or transferee body or the competent authority (within the meaning of the M21 Financial Services Act 1986) substitute—

“A designated agency (within the meaning of the Financial Services Act 1986).	Functions under the Financial Services Act 1986 or Part VII of the Companies Act 1989.
A transferee body or the competent authority (within the meaning of the Financial Services Act 1986).	Functions under the Financial Services Act 1986.”.

Commencement Information

I4 S. 81 wholly in force at 25.4.1991 see s. 215 and S.I. 1990/142 and 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M20 1987 c. 22.

M21 1986 c. 60.

Powers exercisable to assist overseas regulatory authorities U.K.

82 Request for assistance by overseas regulatory authority. U.K.

(1) The powers conferred by section 83 are exercisable by the Secretary of State for the purpose of assisting an overseas regulatory authority which has requested his assistance in connection with inquiries being carried out by it or on its behalf.

(2) An “overseas regulatory authority” means an authority which in a country or territory outside the United Kingdom exercises—

(a) any function corresponding to—

(i) a function under the Financial Services Act 1986 of a designated agency, transferee body or competent authority (within the meaning of that Act),

(ii) a function of the Secretary of State under the M22 Insurance Companies Act 1982, the M23 Companies Act 1985 or the Financial Services Act 1986, or

(iii) a function of the Bank of England under the M24 Banking Act 1987, or

(b) any function in connection with the investigation of, or the enforcement of rules (whether or not having the force of law) relating to, conduct of the kind prohibited by [F1 Part V of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 (insider dealing)], or

(c) any function prescribed for the purposes of this subsection by order of the Secretary of State, being a function which in the opinion of the Secretary of State relates to companies or financial services.

An order under paragraph (c) shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(3) The Secretary of State shall not exercise the powers conferred by section 83 unless he is satisfied that the assistance requested by the overseas regulatory authority is for the purposes of its regulatory functions.

An authority’s “regulatory functions” means any functions falling within subsection (2) and any other functions relating to companies or financial services.

(4) In deciding whether to exercise those powers the Secretary of State may take into account, in particular—

(a) whether corresponding assistance would be given in that country or territory to an authority exercising regulatory functions in the United Kingdom;

(b) whether the inquiries relate to the possible breach of a law, or other requirement, which has no close parallel in the United Kingdom or involves the assertion of a jurisdiction not recognised by the United Kingdom;

(c) the seriousness of the matter to which the inquiries relate, the importance to the inquiries of the information sought in the United Kingdom and whether the assistance could be obtained by other means;

(d) whether it is otherwise appropriate in the public interest to give the assistance sought.

(5) Before deciding whether to exercise those powers in a case where the overseas regulatory authority is a banking supervisor, the Secretary of State shall consult the Bank of England.

A “banking supervisor” means an overseas regulatory authority with respect to which the Bank of England has notified the Secretary of State, for the purposes of this subsection, that it exercises functions corresponding to those of the Bank under the M25 Banking Act 1987.

(6) The Secretary of State may decline to exercise those powers unless the overseas regulatory authority undertakes to make such contribution towards the costs of their exercise as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(7) References in this section to financial services include, in particular, investment business, insurance and banking.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 82(2)(b) substituted (1.3.1994) by 1993 c. 36, s. 79(13), Sch. 5 Pt. I para.16; S.I. 1994/242, art. 2,Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 82(3): (7.6.1992) certain functions made exercisable concurrently by the Secretary of State and the Treasury by S.I. 1992/1315, arts. 5, 8, Sch. 3 para. 3 (with art. 6).

Marginal Citations

M22 1982 c. 50.

M23 1985 c. 6.

M24 1987 c. 22.

M25 1987 c. 22.

83 Power to require information, documents or other assistance. U.K.

(1) The following powers may be exercised in accordance with section 82, if the Secretary of State considers there is good reason for their exercise.

(2) The Secretary of State may require any person—

(a) to attend before him at a specified time and place and answer questions or otherwise furnish information with respect to any matter relevant to the inquiries,

(b) to produce at a specified time and place any specified documents which appear to the Secretary of State to relate to any matter relevant to the inquiries, and

(c) otherwise to give him such assistance in connection with the inquiries as he is reasonably able to give.

(3) The Secretary of State may examine a person on oath and may administer an oath accordingly.

(4) Where documents are produced the Secretary of State may take copies or extracts from them.

(5) A person shall not under this section be required to disclose information or produce a document which he would be entitled to refuse to disclose or produce on grounds of legal professional privilege in proceedings in the High Court or on grounds of confidentiality as between client and professional legal adviser in proceedings in the Court of Session, except that a lawyer may be required to furnish the name and address of his client.

(6) A statement by a person in compliance with a requirement imposed under this section may be used in evidence against him.

(7) Where a person claims a lien on a document, its production under this section is without prejudice to his lien.

(8) In this section “documents” includes information recorded in any form; and, in relation to information recorded otherwise than in legible form, the power to require its production includes power to require the production of a copy of it in legible form.

84 Exercise of powers by officer, &c. U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may authorise an officer of his or any other competent person to exercise on his behalf all or any of the powers conferred by section 83.

(2) No such authority shall be granted except for the purpose of investigating—

(a) the affairs, or any aspects of the affairs, of a person specified in the authority, or

(b) a subject-matter so specified,

being a person who, or subject-matter which, is the subject of the inquiries being carried out by or on behalf of the overseas regulatory authority.

(3) No person shall be bound to comply with a requirement imposed by a person exercising powers by virtue of an authority granted under this section unless he has, if required, produced evidence of his authority.

(4) A person shall not by virtue of an authority under this section be required to disclose any information or produce any documents in respect of which he owes an obligation of confidence by virtue of carrying on the business of banking unless—

(a) the imposing on him of a requirement with respect to such information or documents has been specifically authorised by the Secretary of State, or

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

In this subsection “documents” has the same meaning as in section 83.

(5) Where the Secretary of State authorises a person other than one of his officers to exercise any powers by virtue of this section, that person shall make a report to the Secretary of State in such manner as he may require on the exercise of those powers and the results of exercising them.

85 Penalty for failure to comply with requirement, &c. U.K.

(1) A person who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with a requirement imposed on him under section 83 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or both.

(2) A person who in purported compliance with any such requirement furnishes information which he knows to be false or misleading in a material particular, or recklessly furnishes information which is false or misleading in a material particular, commits an offence and is liable—

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

(b) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or both.

86 Restrictions on disclosure of information. U.K.

(1) This section applies to information relating to the business or other affairs of a person which—

(a) is supplied by an overseas regulatory authority in connection with a request for assistance, or

(b) is obtained by virtue of the powers conferred by section 83, whether or not any requirement to supply it is made under that section.

(2) Except as permitted by section 87 below, such information shall not be disclosed for any purpose—

(a) by the primary recipient, or

(b) by any person obtaining the information directly or indirectly from him,

without the consent of the person from whom the primary recipient obtained the information and, if different, the person to whom it relates.

(3) The “primary recipient” means, as the case may be—

(a) the Secretary of State,

(b) any person authorised under section 84 to exercise powers on his behalf, and

(c) any officer or servant of any such person.

(4) Information shall not be treated as information to which this section applies if it has been made available to the public by virtue of being disclosed in any circumstances in which, or for any purpose for which, disclosure is not precluded by this section.

(5) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable—

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

(b) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or both.

87 Exceptions from restrictions on disclosure. U.K.

(1) Information to which section 86 applies may be disclosed—

(a) to any person with a view to the institution of, or otherwise for the purposes of, relevant proceedings,

(b) for the purpose of enabling or assisting a relevant authority to discharge any relevant function (including functions in relation to proceedings),

(c) to the Treasury, if the disclosure is made in the interests of investors or in the public interest,

(d) if the information is or has been available to the public from other sources,

(e) in a summary or collection of information framed in such a way as not to enable the identity of any person to whom the information relates to be ascertained, or

(f) in pursuance of any Community obligation.

(2) The relevant proceedings referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—

(a) any criminal proceedings,

(b) civil proceedings arising under or by virtue of the M26 Financial Services Act 1986 and proceedings before the Financial Services Tribunal, and

(c) disciplinary proceedings relating to—

(i) the exercise by a solicitor, auditor, accountant, valuer or actuary of his professional duties, or

(ii) the discharge by a public servant of his duties.

(3) In subsection (2)(c)(ii) “public servant” means an officer or servant of the Crown or of any public or other authority for the time being designated for the purposes of that provision by order of the Secretary of State.

(4) The relevant authorities referred to in subsection (1)(b), and the relevant functions in relation to each such authority, are as follows—

Authority	Functions
The Secretary of State.	Functions under the enactments relating to companies, insurance companies or insolvency, or under the Financial Services Act 1986 or Part II, this Part or Part VII of this Act.
[F2 The Treasury]	[F2 Functions under the Financial Services Act 1986 or under this Part or Part VII of this Act.]
An inspector appointed under Part XIV of the M27 Companies Act 1985 or section 94 or 177 of the Financial Services Act 1986.	Functions under that Part or that section.
A person authorised to exercise powers under section 44 of the M28 Insurance Companies Act 1982, section 447 of the Companies Act 1985, section 106 of the Financial Services Act 1986 or section 84 of this Act.	Functions under that section.
An overseas regulatory authority.	Its regulatory functions (within the meaning of section 82 of this Act).
The Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland or a person appointed or authorised by that Department.	Functions conferred on it or him by the enactments relating to companies or insolvency.
A designated agency within the meaning of the M29 Financial Services Act 1986.	Functions under that Act or Part VII of this Act.
A transferee body or the competent authority within the meaning of the Financial Services Act 1986.	Functions under that Act.
The body administering a scheme under section 54 of the Financial Services Act 1986.	Functions under the scheme.
A recognised self-regulating organisation, recognised professional body, recognised investment exchange, recognised clearing house or recognised self-regulating organisation for friendly societies (within the meaning of the Financial Services Act 1986).	Functions in its capacity as an organisation, body, exchange or clearing house recognised under that Act.
The Chief Registrar of friendly societies, F3 . . . and the Assistant Registrar of Friendly Societies for Scotland.	Functions under F3 . . . the enactments relating to friendly societies or building societies.
[F4 The Friendly Societies Commission.]	[F4 Functions under the enactments relating to friendly societies or under the Financial Services Act 1986.]
The Bank of England.	Functions under the M30 Banking Act 1987 and any other functions.
The Deposit Protection Board.	Functions under the Banking Act 1987.
A body established by order under section 46 of this Act.	Functions under Part II of this Act.
A recognised supervisory or qualifying body within the meaning of Part II of this Act.	Functions as such a body.
The Industrial Assurance Commissioner and the Industrial Assurance Commissioner for Northern Ireland.	Functions under the enactments relating to industrial assurance.
The Insurance Brokers Registration Council.	Functions under the M31 Insurance Brokers (Registration) Act 1977.
The Official Receiver or, in Northern Ireland, the Official Assignee for company liquidations or for bankruptcy.	Functions under the enactments relating to insolvency.
A recognised professional body (within the meaning of section 391 of the Insolvency Act 1986).	Functions in its capacity as such a body under the M32 Insolvency Act 1986.
The Building Societies Commission.	Functions under the M33 Building Societies Act 1986.
The Director General of Fair Trading.	Functions under the Financial Services Act 1986.
[F5 A person authorised by the Secretary of State under sections 245C of the Companies Act 1985.]	[F5 Functions relating to the securing of compliance by companies with the accounting requirements of that Act]
[F6 The Director General of the National Lottery.]	[F6 Functions under sections 5 to 10 inclusive and section 15 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993.]

(5) The Secretary of State may by order amend the Table in subsection (4) so as to—

(a) add any public or other authority to the Table and specify the relevant functions of that authority,

(b) remove any authority from the Table, or

(c) add functions to, or remove functions from, those which are relevant functions in relation to an authority specified in the Table;

and the order may impose conditions subject to which, or otherwise restrict the circumstances in which, disclosure is permitted.

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

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 87(4) Table: entry inserted (7.6.1992) by S.I. 1992/1315, art. 10(1), Sch. 4, para. 12 (with art. 6).

F3 S. 87(4) Table: words repealed (1.1.1994) by 1992 c. 40, s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6

F4 S. 87(4) Table: entry inserted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(1), Sch. 21 Pt. I para. 11 (with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3

F5 S. 87(4) Table: entry inserted (16.8.1993) by S.I. 1993/1826, art. 3

F6 S. 87(4) Table: entry inserted (10.3.1994) by S.I. 1994/340, art.3

Commencement Information

I5 S. 87 wholly in force at 25.4.1991 see s. 215 and S.I. 1990/142 and 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M26 1986 c. 60.

M27 1985 c. 6.

M28 1982 c. 50.

M29 1986 c. 60.

M30 1987 c. 22.

M31 1977 c. 46.

M32 1986 c. 45.

M33 1986 c. 53.

88 Exercise of powers in relation to Northern Ireland. U.K.

(1) The following provisions apply where it appears to the Secretary of State that a request for assistance by an overseas regulatory authority may involve the powers conferred by section 83 being exercised in Northern Ireland in relation to matters which are transferred matters within the meaning of the M34 Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973.

(2) The Secretary of State shall before deciding whether to accede to the request consult the Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland, and if he decides to accede to the request and it appears to him—

(a) that the powers should be exercised in Northern Ireland, and

(b) that the purposes for which they should be so exercised relate wholly or primarily to transferred matters,

he shall by instrument in writing authorise the Department to exercise in Northern Ireland his powers under section 83.

(3) The following provisions have effect in relation to the exercise of powers by virtue of such an authority with the substitution for references to the Secretary of State of references to the Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland—

(a) section 84 (exercise of powers by officer, &c.),

(b) section 449 of the M35 Companies Act 1985, section 53 or 54 of the M36 Building Societies Act 1986, sections 179 and 180 of the M37 Financial Services Act 1986, section 84 of the M38 Banking Act 1987 and sections 86 and 87 above (restrictions on disclosure of information), and

(c) section 89 (authority for institution of criminal proceedings);

and references to the Secretary of State in other enactments which proceed by reference to those provisions shall be construed accordingly as being or including references to the Department.

(4) The Secretary of State may after consultation with the Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland revoke an authority given to the Department under this section.

(5) In that case nothing in the provisions referred to in subsection (3)(b) shall apply so as to prevent the Department from giving the Secretary of State any information obtained by virtue of the authority; and (without prejudice to their application in relation to disclosure by the Department) those provisions shall apply to the disclosure of such information by the Secretary of State as if it had been obtained by him in the first place.

(6) Nothing in this section affects the exercise by the Secretary of State of any powers in Northern Ireland—

(a) in a case where at the time of acceding to the request it did not appear to him that the circumstances were such as to require him to authorise the Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland to exercise those powers, or

(b) after the revocation by him of any such authority;

and no objection shall be taken to anything done by or in relation to the Secretary of State or the Department on the ground that it should have been done by or in relation to the other.

Marginal Citations

M34 1973 c. 36.

M35 1985 c. 6.

M36 1986 c. 53.

M37 1986 c. 60.

M38 1987 c. 22.

89 Prosecutions. U.K.

Proceedings for an offence under section 85 or 86 shall not be instituted—

(a) in England and Wales, except by or with the consent of the Secretary of State or the Director of Public Prosecutions;

(b) in Northern Ireland, except by or with the consent of the Secretary of State or the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.

90 Offences by bodies corporate, partnerships and unincorporated associations. U.K.

(1) Where an offence under section 85 or 86 committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body, or a person purporting to act in any such capacity, he as well as the body corporate is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

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

(3) Where an offence under section 85 or 86 committed by a partnership is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, a partner, he as well as the partnership is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(4) Where an offence under section 85 or 86 committed by an unincorporated association (other than a partnership) is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any officer of the association or any member of its governing body, he as well as the association is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

91 Jurisdiction and procedure in respect of offences. U.K.

(1) Summary proceedings for an offence under section 85 may, without prejudice to any jurisdiction exercisable apart from this section, be taken against a body corporate or unincorporated association at any place at which it has a place of business and against an individual at any place where he is for the time being.

(2) Proceedings for an offence alleged to have been committed under section 85 or 86 by an unincorporated association shall be brought in the name of the association (and not in that of any of its members), and for the purposes of any such proceedings any rules of court relating to the service of documents apply as in relation to a body corporate.

(3) Section 33 of the M39 Criminal Justice Act 1925 and Schedule 3 to the M40 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (procedure on charge of offence against a corporation) apply in a case in which an unincorporated association is charged in England and Wales with an offence under section 85 or 86 as they apply in the case of a corporation.

(4) In relation to proceedings on indictment in Scotland for an offence alleged to have been committed under section 85 or 86 by an unincorporated association, section 74 of the M41 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (proceedings on indictment against bodies corporate) applies as if the association were a body corporate.

(5) Section 18 of the M42 Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 1945 and Schedule 4 to the M43 Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (procedure on charge of offence against a corporation) apply in a case in which an unincorporated association is charged in Northern Ireland with an offence under section 85 or 86 as they apply in the case of a corporation.

(6) A fine imposed on an unincorporated association on its conviction of such an offence shall be paid out of the funds of the association.

Marginal Citations

M39 1925 c. 86.

M40 1980 c. 43.

M41 1975 c. 21.

M42 1945 c. 15 (N.I.).

M43 S.I. 1981/1675 (N.I.26).