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Part 9Information

Restrictions on disclosure

238Information

(1)Information is specified information if it comes to a public authority in connection with the exercise of any function it has under or by virtue of—

(a)Part 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 or 8;

(b)an enactment specified in Schedule 14;

(c)such subordinate legislation as the Secretary of State may by order specify for the purposes of this subsection.

(2)It is immaterial whether information comes to a public authority before or after the passing of this Act.

(3)Public authority (except in the expression “overseas public authority”) must be construed in accordance with section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 (c. 42).

(4)In subsection (1) the reference to an enactment includes a reference to an enactment contained in—

(a)an Act of the Scottish Parliament;

(b)Northern Ireland legislation;

(c)subordinate legislation.

(5)The Secretary of State may by order amend Schedule 14.

(6)The power to make an order under subsection (5) includes power to add, vary or remove a reference to any provision of—

(a)an Act of the Scottish Parliament;

(b)Northern Ireland legislation.

(7)An order under this section must be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(8)This section applies for the purposes of this Part.