17.—(1) This article applies to any institution in the United Kingdom by which, or under whose direction, whether inside or outside the United Kingdom—
(a)any relevant course of education or training is, or is proposed to be, given; or
(b)any test of competence is, or is proposed to be, conducted in connection with any such course or for any other purpose connected with this Order.
(2) In paragraph (1) “relevant course of education or training” has the same meaning as in article 16(3).
(3) Whenever required to do so by the Council, any such institution shall give to the Council such information and assistance as the Council may reasonably require in connection with the exercise of its functions under this Order.
(4) Where an institution refuses any reasonable request for information made by the Council under this article, the Council may in accordance with article 18 refuse to approve, or withdraw approval from, as the case may be, any education, training, qualification or institution to which the information relates.
(5) In this article a reference to education or training includes any course of education or training or test referred to in article 15(6).