23Disclosure of informationU.K.
(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.