(1)The appropriate authority in the United Kingdom for the purposes of the Code is the Secretary of State.
(2)Information obtained by the Secretary of State as appropriate authority for the purposes of the Code shall not, without the consent of the person from whom it was obtained, be disclosed except—
(a)for the purpose of the discharge by the Secretary of State of his functions in connection with the Code; or
(b)for the purpose of any proceedings arising out of the Code; or
(c)with a view to the institution of, or otherwise for the purposes of, any criminal proceedings, whether under this Act or otherwise; or
(d)to [F1an EU] institution in pursuance of [F1an EU] obligation;
and a person who discloses any information in contravention of this subsection shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F2level 5 on the standard scale].
(3)Proceedings in England and Wales for an offence under subsection (2) shall not be brought except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions; and proceedings in Northern Ireland for such and offence shall not be brought except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Act substituted (22.4.2011) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1043), arts. 2, 3, 6 (with arts. 3(2)(3), 4(2), 6(4)(5))
F2Words substituted by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 46; (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), s. 289G and (N.I.) S.I. 1984/703 (N.I. 3), art. 5
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 10(2): disclosure powers extended (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 20