Part 4Market Investigations

Chapter 4Supplementary

Investigation powers

175Enforcement of powers under section 174: offences

(1)

A person commits an offence if he, intentionally and without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with any requirement of a notice under section 174.

(2)

A person commits an offence if he intentionally and without reasonable excuse alters, suppresses or destroys any document which he has been required to produce by a notice under section 174.

(3)

A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2) shall be liable—

(a)

on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b)

on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or to both.

(4)

A person commits an offence if he intentionally obstructs or delays—

(a)

the OFT in the exercise of its powers under section 174; or

(b)

any person in the exercise of his powers under subsection (7) of that section.

(5)

A person who commits an offence under subsection (4) shall be liable—

(a)

on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b)

on conviction on indictment, to a fine.