Inquiries Act 2005

Inquiries Act 2005

2005 CHAPTER 12

Conversion of Inquiries

Section 16: Inquiries converted under section 15

32. This section makes provision for inquiries converted under section 15. Orders made under the original inquiry may only be enforced using powers that the inquiry had at the time of making the order. For example, if the chairman of a converted inquiry had made a request for evidence prior to conversion, he could not prosecute an individual under section 35 for failure to comply. He would have to issue a notice under section 21, using the inquiry’s new powers of compulsion first. Once an inquiry has been converted, the appointment of the original panel members continues as if made under this Act and is subject to the provisions of section 12.