Part XVI

The Ombudsman Scheme

Information

Ombudsman’s power to require information
231
1
An ombudsman may, by notice in writing given to a party to a complaint, require that party—
a
to provide specified information or information of a specified description; or
b
to produce specified documents or documents of a specified description.
2
The information or documents must be provided or produced—
a
before the end of such reasonable period as may be specified; and
b
in the case of information, in such manner or form as may be specified.
3
This section applies only to information and documents the production of which the ombudsman considers necessary for the determination of the complaint.
4
If a document is produced in response to a requirement imposed under this section, the ombudsman may—
a
take copies or extracts from the document; or
b
require the person producing the document to provide an explanation of the document.
5
If a person who is required under this section to produce a document fails to do so, the ombudsman may require him to state, to the best of his knowledge and belief, where the document is.
6
If a person claims a lien on a document, its production under this Part does not affect the lien.
7
“Specified” means specified in the notice given under subsection (1).