Licences

Grant of licences: general
8
1
Subject to the following provisions of this Act, the regulator may grant a licence under this Act if the regulator thinks fit.
2
The regulator may grant a licence under this Act only if satisfied that doing so—
a
will not impair the national security of the United Kingdom;
b
is consistent with the international obligations of the United Kingdom;
c
is not contrary to the national interest.
3
The regulator may not grant an application for a licence under this Act unless satisfied that—
a
the applicant has the financial and technical resources to do the things authorised by the licence, and is otherwise a fit and proper person to do them;
b
the persons who are expected to do, on the applicant's behalf, any of the things authorised by the licence are fit and proper persons to do them.
4
If the regulator is not the Secretary of State, the regulator may grant a licence under this Act only with the consent of the Secretary of State.
5
Regulations may make provision about how applications for licences are to be made, considered and determined.
6
The regulations may in particular prescribe, or provide for a person responsible for determining an application to specify—
a
the form and contents of an application for a licence;
b
information to be provided in connection with an application;
c
the procedure for rectifying procedural irregularities;
d
time limits for doing anything required to be done in connection with an application and the procedure for extending any period so prescribed.
7
The regulations may also provide for—
a
the inspection of sites, facilities, equipment, spacecraft, carrier aircraft and other vehicles, and
b
the obtaining of information (whether by inspecting documents, interviewing individuals or otherwise),
by prescribed persons or persons of prescribed descriptions.
S. 8(5)-(7) in force at 26.11.2018 by S.I. 2018/1224, reg. 2(m)
S. 8(1)(3) in force at 29.7.2021 for specified purposes by S.I. 2021/817, reg. 2, Sch. para. 15 (with reg. 3)
S. 8(4) in force at 29.7.2021 by S.I. 2021/817, reg. 2, Sch. para. 16 (with reg. 3)