Part 1Gas Importation and Storage

Chapter 2Importation and storage of combustible gas

Enforcement

14Criminal proceedings

1

Proceedings for a relevant offence may be taken, and the offence may for all incidental purposes be treated as having been committed, in any place in the United Kingdom.

2

Section 3 of the Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act 1878 (c. 73) (restriction on prosecutions) does not apply to any proceedings for a relevant offence.

3

Proceedings for a relevant offence alleged to have been committed in a controlled place may not be instituted in England and Wales except—

a

by the Secretary of State or a person authorised by the Secretary of State, or

b

by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

4

Proceedings for a relevant offence alleged to have been committed in a controlled place may not be instituted in Northern Ireland except—

a

by the Secretary of State or a person authorised by the Secretary of State, or

b

by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.

5

In the application of subsection (3) or (4) to an offence created by regulations under section 13—

a

the words “alleged to have been committed in a controlled place” are to be omitted, and

b

the references to a person authorised by the Secretary of State are to be read as references to an inspector appointed under that section.

6

In this section “relevant offence” means an offence under this Chapter or created by regulations under section 13.