Chemical Weapons Act 1996

32 Disclosure of information.U.K.

(1)This section applies to information if—

(a)it was obtained under, or in connection with anything done under, this Act or the Convention, and

(b)it relates to a particular business or other activity carried on by any person.

(2)So long as the business or activity continues to be carried on the information shall not be disclosed except—

(a)with the consent of the person for the time being carrying on the business or activity,

(b)in connection with anything done for the purposes of the Convention,

(c)in connection with anything done for the purposes of this Act,

(d)in connection with the investigation of any criminal offence or for the purposes of any criminal proceedings,

(e)in connection with the enforcement of any restriction on imports or exports,

(f)in dealing with an emergency involving danger to the public,

(g)with a view to ensuring the security of the United Kingdom, or

(h)to the International Court of Justice for the purpose of enabling that Court to deal with any dispute referred to it under the Convention.

(3)The reference to this Act in subsection (2)(c) does not include a reference to section 33.

(4)A person who discloses information in contravention of this section is guilty of an offence and liable—

(a)on summary conviction, to a fine of an amount 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.

(5)Where a person proposes to disclose information to which this section applies in circumstances where the disclosure would by virtue of paragraphs (b) to (h) of subsection (2) not contravene this section, he may disclose the information notwithstanding any obligation not to disclose it that would otherwise apply.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1S. 32 extended (with modifications) (Jersey) (21.12.1998) by S.I. 1998/2565, art. 4, Sch.

C2S. 32(2) disclosure powers extended (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 17, 127(2)(a), Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 39