13.—(1) For the purposes of the discharge of its functions under this Order, the Department may, by notice in writing served on any person who appears to it—
(a)to be involved in the importation, acquisition, keeping, release or marketing of genetically modified organisms; or
(b)to be about to become, or to have been, involved in any of those activities;
require that person to furnish such relevant information available to him as is specified in the notice, in such form and within such period following service of the notice as is so specified.
(2) For the purposes of this Article “relevant information” means information concerning any aspects of the activities in question, including any damage to the environment which may be or have been caused thereby; and the discharge by the Department of an obligation of the United Kingdom under F1... any international agreement [F2or [F3assimilated] law] concerning the protection of the environment from harm caused by genetically modified organisms shall be treated as a function of the Department under this Order.
F1Words in art. 13(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Environment (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/584), regs. 1, 4(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F2Words in art. 13(2) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Environment (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/584), regs. 1, 4(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F3Word in art. 13(2) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1424), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 32