Part IDisclosure
Time limits
12Time limits
1
This section has effect for the purpose of determining the relevant period for sections 3, 5, 6 and 7.
2
Subject to subsection (3), the relevant period is a period beginning and ending with such days as the Secretary of State prescribes by regulations for the purposes of the section concerned.
3
The regulations may do one or more of the following—
a
provide that the relevant period for any section shall if the court so orders be extended (or further extended) by so many days as the court specifies;
b
provide that the court may only make such an order if an application is made by a prescribed person and if any other prescribed conditions are fulfilled;
c
provide that an application may only be made if prescribed conditions are fulfilled;
d
provide that the number of days by which a period may be extended shall be entirely at the court’s discretion;
e
provide that the number of days by which a period may be extended shall not exceed a prescribed number;
f
provide that there shall be no limit on the number of applications that may be made to extend a period;
g
provide that no more than a prescribed number of applications may be made to extend a period;
and references to the relevant period for a section shall be construed accordingly.
4
Conditions mentioned in subsection (3) may be framed by reference to such factors as the Secretary of State thinks fit.
5
Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4), so far as the relevant period for section 3 or 7 is concerned—
a
conditions may be framed by reference to the nature or volume of the material concerned;
b
the nature of material may be defined by reference to the prosecutor’s belief that the question of non-disclosure on grounds of public interest may arise.
6
In subsection (3) “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations under this section.