General and consequential provisions U.K.

31 Effect on civil proceedings and rights. E+W

(1) A person shall not be excused, by reason that to do so may incriminate that person or the [F1 spouse or civil partner]F1 of that person of an offence under this Act—

(a) from answering any question put to that person in proceedings for the recovery or administration of any property, for the execution of any trust or for an account of any property or dealings with property; or

(b) from complying with any order made in any such proceedings;

but no statement or admission made by a person in answering a question put or complying with an order made as aforesaid shall, in proceedings for an offence under this Act, be admissible in evidence against that person or (unless they [F2 married or became civil partners after the making of the statement or admission) against the spouse or civil partner]F2 of that person.

(2) Notwithstanding any enactment to the contrary, where property has been stolen or obtained by fraud or other wrongful means, the title to that or any other property shall not be affected by reason only of the conviction of the offender.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 31 substituted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 261(1), 263, Sch. 27 para. 28(a); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(2)

F2 Words in s. 31 substituted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 261(1), 263, Sch. 27 para. 28(b); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 31(1) applied by Theft Act 1978 (c. 31, SIF 39:6), s. 5(2)