The State Aid (EU Exit) Regulations 2019

Powers conferred by search warrant

8.—(1) A warrant issued under paragraph 6 authorises a named officer and any other authorised officer to accompany the named officer to—

(a) enter the premises specified in the warrant, using such force as is reasonably necessary for that purpose;

(b) search the premises and take copies of any document appearing to be a relevant document;

(c) seize any document appearing to be a relevant document if—

(i) such action appears to be necessary for preserving the document or preventing interference with it; or

(ii) it is not reasonably practicable to take copies of the document on the premises;

(d) take any other steps which appear to be necessary for the purpose mentioned in sub-paragraph (c)(i);

(e) require any person on the premises to provide an explanation of any document appearing to be a relevant document;

(f) require any person on the premises to state, to the best of the person’s knowledge and belief, where a document appearing to be a relevant document may be found; and

(g) require any information which is stored in any electronic form and is accessible from the premises and which the named officer considers relevant to the purpose of deciding under regulation 19 whether there has been a misuse of aid by the beneficiary to be produced in a form—

(i) in which it can be taken away; and

(ii) in which it is visible and legible or from which it can readily be produced in a visible and legible form.

(2) A warrant issued under paragraph 6 may authorise persons specified in the warrant to accompany the named officer who is executing the warrant.

(3) Any person entering premises by virtue of a warrant issued under paragraph 6 may take with the person such equipment as appears to the person to be necessary.