Information and records
23Disclosure of information
1
This section applies to information if—
a
it was obtained under, or in connection with anything done under, this Act or the Convention, and
b
it relates to a particular business or other activity carried on by any person.
2
So long as the business or activity continues to be carried on, the information must not be disclosed except—
a
with the consent of the person for the time being carrying on the business or activity,
b
in connection with anything done for the purposes of the Convention,
c
in connection with anything done for the purposes of this Act,
d
for any of the purposes specified in section 17(2)(a) to (d) of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (disclosure related to criminal investigation or criminal proceedings),
e
in connection with the enforcement of any restriction on imports or exports, or
f
with a view to ensuring the security of the United Kingdom.
3
Section 18 of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (restriction on disclosure of information for overseas purposes) has effect in relation to a disclosure authorised by subsection (2)(d) as it has effect in relation to a disclosure authorised by any of the provisions to which section 17 of that Act applies.
4
A person who discloses information in contravention of this section is guilty of an offence and liable—
a
on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or
b
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or to both.
5
Where any of paragraphs (b) to (f) of subsection (2) applies, the information may be disclosed notwithstanding any obligation not to disclose it that would otherwise apply.