17Extension of existing disclosure powers
(1)This section applies to the provisions listed in Schedule 4, so far as they authorise the disclosure of information.
(2)Each of the provisions to which this section applies shall have effect, in relation to the disclosure of information by or on behalf of a public authority, as if the purposes for which the disclosure of information is authorised by that provision included each of the following—
(a)the purposes of any criminal investigation whatever which is being or may be carried out, whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere;
(b)the purposes of any criminal proceedings whatever which have been or may be initiated, whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere;
(c)the purposes of the initiation or bringing to an end of any such investigation or proceedings;
(d)the purpose of facilitating a determination of whether any such investigation or proceedings should be initiated or brought to an end.
(3)The Treasury may by order made by statutory instrument add any provision contained in any subordinate legislation to the provisions to which this section applies.
(4)The Treasury shall not make an order under subsection (3) unless a draft of it has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.
(5)No disclosure of information shall be made by virtue of this section unless the public authority by which the disclosure is made is satisfied that the making of the disclosure is proportionate to what is sought to be achieved by it.
(6)Nothing in this section shall be taken to prejudice any power to disclose information which exists apart from this section.
(7)The information that may be disclosed by virtue of this section includes information obtained before the commencement of this section.