Part 4Market Investigations

Chapter 4Supplementary

Investigation powers

175Enforcement of powers under section 174: offences

1

A person commits an offence if he, intentionally and without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with any requirement of a notice under section 174.

2

A person commits an offence if he intentionally and without reasonable excuse alters, suppresses or destroys any document which he has been required to produce by a notice under section 174.

3

A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2) shall be liable—

a

on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

b

on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or to both.

4

A person commits an offence if he intentionally obstructs or delays—

a

the OFT in the exercise of its powers under section 174; or

b

any person in the exercise of his powers under subsection (7) of that section.

5

A person who commits an offence under subsection (4) shall be liable—

a

on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

b

on conviction on indictment, to a fine.