Explanatory Notes

Counter-Terrorism Act 2008

2008 CHAPTER 28

26 November 2008

Commentary on Sections

Part 1 – Powers to Gather and Share Information

Power to remove documents for examination

Section 8 – Return of documents

32.This section provides that a document that is to be returned (because the time limit for retention has expired or the document is not one that may be seized), and any copy, is to be returned to the person searched or the occupier of the premises on which it was found. However, where another person appears to have a better right to the document, the document must be returned instead to that person, and where different persons claim to be entitled to the document, it may be retained for as long as reasonably necessary to determine who has best claim to it.