[F111(1)Information obtained by the Ombudsman in the course of or for the purposes of an investigation of a complaint must not be disclosed except—U.K.
(a)for the purposes of the investigation, of any determination made in respect of the complaint or of the publication of a determination under paragraph 7;
(b)as provided in paragraph 12 or 17 or any regulations under section 51B;
(c)for the purposes of any proceedings for an offence of perjury alleged to have been committed in the course of an investigation of a complaint by the Ombudsman; or
(d)for the purposes of an inquiry with a view to the taking of any proceedings as mentioned in paragraph (c).
(2)The Ombudsman shall not be called upon to give evidence in any proceedings (other than proceedings within sub-paragraph (1)(c)) of matters coming to his knowledge in the course of an investigation of a complaint.
(3)Information obtained from the Information Commissioner by virtue of section 76 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 shall be treated for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) as obtained for the purposes of an investigation and, in relation to such information, the reference in paragraph (a) of that sub-paragraph to the investigation shall have effect as a reference to any investigation.]
Textual Amendments
F1Sch. 2A inserted (14.7.2005) by Housing Act 2004 (c. 34), s. 270(7), Sch. 12; S.I. 2005/1814, arts. 1(2), 2(e)