58.—(1) In any proceedings for an offence for a contravention of any of the provisions of these Regulations, it shall be a defence, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), for the person charged to prove that—
(a)the commission of the offence was due to the act or default of another person, not being one of his employees (“the other person”); and
(b)he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence.
(2) The person charged shall not be entitled, without leave of the court, to rely on the defence referred to in paragraph (1) unless, at least seven clear days before the—
(a)hearing to determine the mode of trial, where the proceedings are in England or Wales;
(b)intermediate diet, where the proceedings are summary proceedings in Scotland; or
(c)first diet, where the proceedings are solemn proceedings in Scotland,
he has served on the prosecutor a notice in writing giving such information identifying, or assisting in the identification of, the other person, as was then in his possession.
(3) Where a contravention of any of the provisions of these Regulations by any person is due to the act or default of the other person, then that other person shall be guilty of the offence, which would, but for the defence in paragraph (1), be constituted by the act or default.
(4) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in regulation 3 of the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998(1) and subject to paragraph (5), the enforcing authority for these Regulations shall be the Executive.
S.I. 1998/494, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.