xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"

Part IIIS Miscellaneous and General

39 Local authority to have right to sewage.S

[F1Scottish Water] shall have right to all sewage discharged into [F2its] sewers or sewage treatment works and to the contents of any septic tank emptied by [F3it] under section 10(1) above and may process, sell or otherwise dispose of such sewage or contents.

F440. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S

41 Breaking open of streets, etc.S

Subject to the provisions of the [F5Part IV of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991], [F6Scottish Water or any] other person may, for the purpose of taking any action or executing work authorised or required by this Act in relation to sewers, drains or sewage treatment works, break open [F7any road, any bridge carrying a road,] and any cellar [F8, vault, sewer, drain or tunnel in or under a road], and may remove and use the soil or other materials in or under any such [F9road]:

Provided that [F10Scottish Water or, as the case may be, that person] shall, in the exercise of the powers conferred by this section, cause as little inconvenience and do as little damage as may be, and for any damage done shall pay compensation to be determined, in case of dispute, by the sheriff summarily, whose decision in the matter shall be final.

42 Execution of works by local authorities for other persons.S

(1)Where by virtue of this Act or anything done thereunder a person is authorised or required to carry out any works, [F11Scottish Water] may carry out those works at the request of that person and may recover from him [F12its] reasonable expenses for so doing.

(2)In carrying out such works [F13Scottish Water] shall have all the rights and powers which the person who made the request as aforesaid would have in relation thereto.

43 Power to require occupier to permit works to be executed by owner.S

If on a complaint by the owner of any premises it appears to the sheriff that the occupier of those premises prevents the owner from executing any work which he is required or authorised to execute by or under this Act, the sheriff may authorise the owner to enter the premises for the purpose of executing the work.

44 Power of local authorities to require information as to ownership etc. of premises.S

[F14Scottish Water] may, for the purpose of enabling [F15it] to perform any of [F16its] functions under this Act, require the occupier or owner of any premises to state in writing the nature of his own interest therein and the name and address of any other person known to him as having an interest therein, whether as owner, tenant, heritable creditor or otherwise, and any person who having been required by a local authority in pursuance of this section to give [F15it] any information fails to give [F15it] that information, or knowingly makes any misstatement in respect thereof, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F17level 3 on the standard scale].

Textual Amendments

F17Words substituted by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 56, Sch. 6 para. 41 and by 1995 c. 40, ss. 3, 7(2), Sch. 1 para. 10, Sch. 2 Pt. III it is provided (1.4.1996) that s. 44 shall have effect as if the maximum fine that may be imposed on summary conviction for the offence mentioned therein were a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale instead of a fine not exceeding £20

45 Production of plans and furnishing of information to authorities.S

(1)The owner or occupier of any land on or under which is situated any sewer or drain used or intended to be used for discharging any sewage into a sewer or sewage treatment works of [F18Scottish Water] shall, when requested in writing so to do by [F19Scottish Water]

(a)produce to [F19Scottish Water] all such plans of the sewer or drain as the owner or occupier, as the case may be, possesses or is able without unreasonable expense to obtain, and allow copies of the plans so produced by him to be made by, or under the direction of, [F19Scottish Water], and

(b)furnish to [F19Scottish Water] all such information as the owner or occupier, as the case may be, can reasonably be expected to supply with respect to the sewer or drain and any sewage discharged therefrom.

(2)A person who fails to comply with this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F20level 3 on the standard scale].

46 Certain matter not to be passed into drains.S

(1)Without prejudice to the provisions of Part II of this Act, no person shall pass or permit to be passed into, or into a drain connecting with, a public sewer or public sewage treatment works any matter or substance which, either alone or in combination with any matter or substance with which it is likely to come into contact while passing through any sewer or works, is likely to injure the sewer or works, or to interfere with the free flow of their contents, or to affect prejudicially the treatment or disposal of their contents or to be prejudicial to health:

Provided that it shall be a defence for any person charged with an offence under this section if he proves that at the time he so passed or permitted to be passed the matter or substance concerned he did not know, and could not reasonably be expected to know, that it would be likely to have the aforementioned effects.

(2)A person who contravenes any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F21 £40,000 ][F22and on conviction on indictment, to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both a fine and such imprisonment].

F2347. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S

48 Powers of entry.S

(1)Subject to the provisions of this section, [F24any person duly authorised by [F25Scottish Water]F25(whether or not an employee of [F26Scottish Water]F26 and whether such authorisation is special or general)] shall, on producing if so required some duly authenticated document showing his authority, have a right to enter any land or premises at all reasonable hours for the purpose of—

(a)surveying land or boring or carrying out other works in order to ascertain the suitability of the land for the laying of a sewer or the construction of other works under this Act;

(b)ascertaining whether there is or has been on or in connection with the land or premises any contravention of the provisions of this Act or of any conditions imposed thereunder;

(c)ascertaining whether or not circumstances exist which would authorise [F26Scottish Water] to take any action or execute any work under this Act;

(d)taking any action or executing any work authorised or required by this Act to be taken or executed by [F26Scottish WaterF26][F27or which may be authorised by [F28it]F28 under section 3A of this Act];

[F29(dd)inspecting, maintaining, repairing, cleansing, emptying, ventilating or renewing any sewer which is not a public sewer but forms part of any such system as is mentioned in [F30section 46(1)(b)(ii) of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 3)]F30;]

(e)inspecting any records and other documents and apparatus which [F26Scottish Water] may reasonably require to inspect for the purpose of exercising any of [F31its] functions under this Act;

(f)taking away for analysis samples of sewage or any other matter or substance which is passing from the premises into [F32

(i)public sewers or public sewage treatment works; or

(ii)sewers or sewage treatment works not vested in [F25Scottish Water]F25 but forming (or forming part of) any such system as is mentioned in the said [F33section 46(1)(b)(ii)]F33.]

(2)Entry to land or premises not being a factory within the meaning of the M1Factories Act 1961, or a place in which persons are employed otherwise than in domestic service, shall not be demanded as of right unless at least 24 hours notice of the intended entry has been given to the occupier.

(3)Before [F34entry is made] upon land or premises for any of the purposes mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above the [F35the authorised person, or [F36Scottish Water]F36 on his behalf,] shall serve notice of the intended entry upon the owner and occupier, who within 14 days of the receipt of the notice may make representations to the Secretary of State, who, having considered any such representations, may authorise the entry either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as he thinks fit, or refuse to authorise it.

Every notice under this subsection shall inform the owner and occupier of their right to make representations to the Secretary of State.

(4)A person carrying out an inspection of documents under subsection (1)(e) above shall have a right to take copies or extracts from the documents.

(5)Where notice of intended entry for a particular purpose has been given as respects the first occasion on which the right of entry is exercised, no further notice shall be required before entering the land or premises on a subsequent occasion in connection with that purpose.

(6)If it is shown to the satisfaction of the sheriff, or a magistrate or justice of the peace having jurisdiction in the place where the land or premises are situated, on a sworn information in writing—

(a)that admission to land or premises which any person is entitled to enter by virtue of this section has been refused to that person, or that refusal is apprehended, or that the land or premises are unoccupied, or the occupier is temporarily absent, or that the case is one of urgency, or that the application for admission would defeat the object of the entry, and

(b)that there are reasonable grounds for entry to the land or premises for any purpose for which the right of entry is exercisable

the sheriff, magistrate or justice may by warrant under his hand authorise that person to enter the land or premises if need be by force.

(7)Any person entitled to enter any land or premises, by virtue of a right of entry or of a warrant issued under this section, may take with him such other persons as may be necessary, and on leaving any unoccupied land or premises which he has entered by virtue of such a warrant shall leave them as effectually secured against trespassers as he found them.

(8)Every warrant granted under this section shall continue in force until the purpose for which the entry is necessary has been satisfied.

(9)A person who wilfully obstructs any person upon whom a right of entry has been conferred by any of the provisions of this section or by a warrant issued thereunder shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F37level 3 on the standard scale] and to a further fine not exceeding £5 for each day on which the offence continues after conviction therefor.

(10)Where work has been carried out on land in pursuance of this section the [F38person who carried it out] shall, as soon as possible, reinstate the land.

Textual Amendments

F24Words in s. 48(1) substituted (4.1.1995) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 75(24)(a)(i); S.I. 1994/2850, art. 3(c)(vi) (with art. 4)

F25Words in s. 48(1) substituted (1.4.2002) by Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 3), s. 71, Sch. 5 para. 2 (with s. 67); S.S.I. 2002/118, art. 2

F26Words in s. 48(1) substituted (1.4.2002) by Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 3), s. 71, Sch. 5 para. 4 (with s. 67); S.S.I. 2002/118, art. 2

F27Words in s. 48(1)(d) added (4.1.1995) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 75(24)(a)(ii); S.I. 1994/2850, art. 3(c)(vi) (with art. 4)

F30Words in s. 48(1)(dd) substituted (1.4.2002) by Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 3), s. 71, Sch. 5 para. 39(b) (with s. 67); S.S.I. 2002/118, art. 2

F32Paras. (i)(ii) substituted for words in s. 48(1)(f) (4.1.1995) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 75(24)(a)(i); S.I. 1994/2850, art. 3(c)(vi) (with art. 4)

F33Words in s. 48(1)(f)(ii) substituted (1.4.2002) by Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 3), s. 71, Sch. 5 para. 39(d) (with s. 67); S.S.I. 2002/118, art. 2

F34Words in s. 48(3) substituted (4.1.1995) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 75(24)(b)(i); S.I. 1994/2850, art. 3(c)(vi) (with art. 4)

F35Words in s. 48(3) substituted (4.1.1995) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 75(24)(b)(ii); S.I. 1994/2850, art. 3(c)(vi) (with art. 4)

F36Words in s. 48(3) substituted (1.4.2002) by Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 3), s. 71, Sch. 5 para. 3 (with s. 67); S.S.I. 2002/118, art. 2

F37Words substituted by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 56, Sch. 6 para. 42 and by 1995 c. 40, ss. 3, 7(2), Sch. 1 para. 10, Sch. 2 Pt. III it is provided (1.4.1996) that s. 48(9) shall have effect as if the maximum fine that may be imposed on summary conviction for the offence mentioned therein were a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale and £5 per day which the offence continues instead of a fine not exceeding £20

F38Words in s. 48(10) substituted (4.1.1995) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 75(24)(c); S.I. 1994/2850, art. 3(c)(vi) (with art. 4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2S. 48: power to modify conferred (temp. from 4.1.995 to 1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 182(2); S.I. 1994/2850, art. 3(a), Sch. 2 (with art. 4)

Marginal Citations

F3949. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S

Textual Amendments

F39S. 49 repealed (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 111(1)(b), 120(3), Sch. 24. (with ss 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 3(viii)

50 Restriction on disclosure of information.S

(1)If any person who, in compliance with any of the provisions of this Act or with a warrant issued thereunder, is admitted to any land or premises makes use of or discloses to any person any information obtained by him there with regard to any manufacturing process or trade secret, he shall, unless such use or disclosure was made in the performance of his duty, be guilty of an offence under this section.

(2)If any person discloses any information which has been furnished to him under this Act, he shall be guilty of an offence under this section, unless the disclosure is made—

(a)with the consent of the person by whom the information was furnished; or

[F40(aa)in prescribed circumstances or for prescribed purposes; or]

(b)in connection with the execution of this Act; or

(c)for the purposes of any proceedings arising out of this Act, or of any criminal proceedings whether so arising or not, or for the purpose of any report of any such proceedings.

(3)A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F41level 5 on the standard scale].

[F42(4)In paragraph (aa) of subsection (2) above, “prescribed” means prescribed by the Secretary of State by regulations made under this subsection by statutory instrument.

(5)An instrument containing regulations under subsection (4) above shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(6)Subsections (1) and (2) above are subject to regulation 3(7) of the Environmental Information Regulations 1992 (which disapplies restrictions on disclosure if in pursuance of the M2regulations).]

Textual Amendments

F41Words substituted by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 56, Sch. 6 para. 43 and by 1995 c. 40, ss. 3, 7(2), Sch. 1 para. 10, Sch. 2 Pt. III it is provided (1.4.1996) that s. 50(3) shall have effect as if the maximum fine that may be imposed on summary conviction for the offence mentioned therein were a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale instead of a fine not exceeding £100

Marginal Citations

51 Procedure on appeals to Secretary of State.S

(1)Any appeal to the Secretary of State under this Act shall be made, unless the parties to the appeal otherwise agree, within 28 days of the decision against which the appeal is made.

(2)At the same time as an appellant makes any such appeal under this Act he shall serve a copy of the appeal on [F43Scottish Water] .

(3)Before disposing of any such appeal the Secretary of State may afford to the appellant and [F44Scottish Water] an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by a person appointed in that behalf by the Secretary of State.

(4)The decision of the Secretary of State on any such appeal shall be deemed to be the decision of [F43Scottish Water] from whom the appeal is made.

(5)The decision of the Secretary of State on any such appeal shall be final, but at any stage of the proceedings on the appeal he may, and if so directed by the Court of Session shall, state a case for the opinion of the Court on any question of law arising in those proceedings.

(6)Pending a decision on any appeal to the Secretary of State under Part II of this Act a discharge of trade effluent being made may continue to be made in accordance with the conditions then applying.

[F45(7)The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision as respects the procedure to be followed in any such appeal.

(8)The power to make regulations under subsection (7) above shall be exercisable by statutory instrument, which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

F4652. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S

53 Notices etc. to be in writing.S

All notices, directions, decisions, applications, appeals and agreements given or made under this Act by [F47Scottish Water], or an owner, occupier or prospective occupier of premises, and other documents which are given, made, served, authorised or required under this Act shall be in writing.

Textual Amendments

54 Local enactments.S

(1)Subject to subsection (2) below, where any local enactment provides for any matter which is also provided for by any provision of this Act or of any order made thereunder, the provision of this Act, or, as the case may be, of that order, shall have effect in substitution for the local enactment, which shall cease to have effect.

(2)The Secretary of State may by order except from the operation of the foregoing subsection such local enactments as may be specified in the order and direct that the corresponding provisions of this Act or of any order made thereunder as may be so specified shall not have effect in the areas in which the specified local enactments have effect.

(3)If it appears to the Secretary of State that any local enactment, not being an enactment which has ceased to have effect by virtue of subsection (1) above, is inconsistent with any provision of this Act or of any order made thereunder, or is no longer required, or requires to be amended, having regard to any provision of this Act or of any order made thereunder, he may by order repeal or amend the local enactment as he may consider appropriate.

(4)Any order made under this section shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

55 Application of Act to Crown premises.S

(1)The provisions of this section shall apply in relation to any premises belonging to Her Majesty in right of the Crown, or belonging to a government department, or held in trust for Her Majesty for the purposes of a government department.

(2)The appropriate authority in relation to any premises and [F48Scottish Water] may agree that any provisions of this Act specified in the agreement shall apply to those premises and, while the agreement is in force, those provisions shall apply to the premises accordingly, subject however to the terms of the agreement.

(3)Any such agreement as aforesaid may contain such consequential and incidental provisions, including, with the approval of the Treasury, provisions of a financial character, as appear to the appropriate authority to be necessary or equitable, but agreements made by the Crown Estate Commissioners [F49or the Scottish Ministers]. . . shall not require such approval.

(4)In this section “the appropriate authority” means—

(a)in the case of premises belonging to Her Majesty in right of the Crown, the Crown Estate Commissioners or other government department having the management of the premises in question; and

(b)in the case of premises belonging to a government department or held in trust for Her Majesty for the purposes of a government department, that department;

and, if any question arises as to what authority is the appropriate authority in relation to any premises, that question shall be referred to the Treasury, whose decision shall be final.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3S. 55(4): certain functions made exercisable by the Scottish Ministers concurrently with the Minister (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, arts. 1, 3, Sch. 2 (with art. 7); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

56 Saving for Coast Protection Act 1949.S

Nothing in this Act shall affect the application to any operation of sections 34 to 36 of the M3Coast Protection Act 1949 (restriction of works detrimental to navigation).

Marginal Citations

57 Expenses.S

There shall be paid out of moneys provided by Parliament any increase attributable to this Act in the sums payable out of moneys so provided under any other Act.

58 Orders.S

Any power conferred on the Secretary of State by this Act to make an order shall include power, exercisable in like manner and subject to the same conditions, to vary or revoke the order by a subsequent order.

59 Interpretation.S

(1)In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

(2)Unless the context otherwise requires any reference in this Act to a drain or to a sewer shall be construed as including a reference to any manholes, ventilating shafts, pumping stations, storm water overflow pipes, outfall pipes or other accessories belonging to a drain or sewer, and any reference in this Act to sewage treatment works shall be construed as including a reference to accommodation used in connection therewith, the machinery and equipment of those works and any necessary pumping stations.

(3)Any reference in this Act to the construction of a sewer or sewage treatment works shall be construed as including a reference to the extension of an existing sewer or of existing works.

[F67(3A)In the definition of “trade or industry” in subsection (1) above, the references to a “care home service” shall be construed in accordance with section 2(3) of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 8).]

(4)Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in this Act to any enactment is a reference to that enactment as amended by or under any subsequent enactment, including this Act.

Textual Amendments

F50S. 59(1): definition of "area" substituted (1.4.2002) by Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 3), s. 71, Sch. 5 para. 41(a) (with s. 67); S.S.I. 2002/118, art. 2

F52Definitions of

authorised officer

and

local authority

in s. 59(1) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1)(2), Sch. 13 para. 75(28)(b), Sch. 14; S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)(d), Sch. 2

F53Definitions of “general rate” and “regional rate” repealed by Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 (c. 47, SIF 81:2), s. 34, Sch. 6

F55S. 59(1): words in definitions of "private sewage treatment works", "public drain", "public sewage treatment works" and "public sewer" substituted (1.4.2002) by Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 3), s. 71, Sch. 5 para. 41(b) (with s. 67); S.S.I. 2002/118, art. 2

F56Words in s. 59(1) inserted (6.3.2006 for specified purposes, 30.11.2007 in so far as not already in force) by Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 3), ss. 33(1), 38(1) (with s. 35(2)); S.S.I. 2006/55, art. 2(c); S.S.I. 2007/512, art. 2(a)

F57Words in definition of

public drain

in s. 59(1) added (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 75(28)(d); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)

F58Definition of

river purification authority

in s. 59(1) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1)(3), Sch. 22 para. 12(1)(b), Sch. 24 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 3(viii)

F61S. 59(1): definition of "sewerage authority" repealed (1.4.2002) by Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 3), s. 71, Sch. 5 para. 41(c) (with s. 67); S.S.I. 2002/118, art. 2

F64S. 59(1): words in definition of "trade or industry" substituted (1.4.2002) by 2001 asp 8, ss. 79, 81(2), Sch. 3 para. 3(a)(i); S.S.I. 2002/162, art. 2(h) (subject to arts. 3-13)

F65S. 59(1): words in definition of "trade or industry" substituted (1.4.2002) by 2001 asp 8, ss. 79, 81(2), Sch. 3 para. 3(a)(ii); S.S.I. 2002/162, art. 2(h) (subject to arts. 3-13)

F66Definition of

trunk road

in s. 59(1) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1)(2), Sch. 13 para. 75(28)(g), Sch. 14; S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)(d), Sch. 2

F67S. 59(3A) inserted (27.3.2002) by 2001 asp 8, s. 79, Sch. 3 para. 3(b); S.S.I 2002/162, {art. 2(h)} (subject to arts. 3-13)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4References to medical officer of health, surveyor, and sanitary inspector to be construed as references to the proper officer of a local authority; Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65), Sch. 27 Pt. I para. 2

60 Amendments and repeals.S

(1)The enactments mentioned in Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect subject to the amendments there specified, being amendments consequential on the provisions of this Act.

(2)The enactments described in Schedule 2 to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule, and so much of that Schedule as relates to the M4Local Government (Scotland) Act 1947 (so far as relating to the operation and dissolution of special drainage districts) shall come into force on the appointed day.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5The text of s. 60(1)(2), Sch. 1 paras. 2—4, Sch. 2 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

61 Short title, extent and commencement.S

(1)This Act may be cited as the Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968 and shall extend to Scotland only.

(2)This Act, except this section, shall come into force on such date as the Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument appoint, and different dates may be appointed under this subsection for different provisions of this Act or for different purposes.

(3)Any reference in this Act to the commencement of any provision thereof shall be construed as a reference to the date when that provision comes into force.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6Power of appointment conferred by s. 61(2) fully exercised: S.I. 1972/363