Part III

Functions of the Council

Power to publish advice and information about consumer matters
21
1
If it appears to the Council that the publication of any advice and information about consumer matters (including information about the views of consumers on such matters) would promote the interests of consumers, the Council may publish that advice or information in such manner as it thinks fit.
2
Information which relates to the affairs of any particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate) shall not be published under this section unless one or more of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (3) applies to the information.
3
Information relating to a particular individual or body may be published if—
a
that individual or body has consented to the publication;
b
it is information that is available to the public from some other source; or
c
it is not information the publication of which would or might, in the opinion of the Council, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.
4
Before deciding to publish any information relating to a particular individual or body in pursuance of subsection (3)(c), the Council shall—
a
consult that individual or body; and
2(b) have regard to any opinion expressed by the Authority as to the application of subsection (3)(c) to the information or as to the desirability or otherwise of its publication;and paragraph (b) applies whether the opinion is given in relation to the information itself or to information of a description which applies to that information.
5
The publication by the Council of information under this section does not contravene section 105.