Section 38: Directions in interests of national security etc
38.Section 38 gives the Secretary of State powers to issue directions to licence holders (either individually or generally) of a general character in the interests of national security or in the interests of encouraging or maintaining the UK’s relations with another country or territory. The Secretary of State may also give a licence holder specific direction in the interests of national security or a direction in connection with fulfilling an international obligation laid on the United Kingdom. Failure to comply with a direction is an offence. The penalties for committing an offence under this section range from a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum on summary conviction, to a fine or imprisonment on conviction on indictment.