2.—(1) Section 54 of the Act is amended as follows–
(2) In subsection (2), omit paragraph (f).
(3) After subsection (2), insert –
“(2A) Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to disclosure by a person who is, or acts on behalf of a person who is, a public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (c. 36).”.
(4) After section 54 of the Act, insert –
54A.—(1) This section applies if information relating to a particular body or other person is obtained by the Auditor General for Wales or an auditor, or by a person acting on behalf of the Auditor General for Wales or an auditor–
(a)pursuant to a provision of this Part or of Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1999 (c. 27), or
(b)in the course of an audit, study or inspection under a provision of this Part, section 145C of the Government of Wales Act 1998 (c. 38) or Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1999.
(2) A person who is, or acts on behalf of a person who is, a public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (c. 36), may disclose any such information –
(a)in the circumstances in which he would (but for section 54(2A)) be authorised to do so under section 54(2);
(b)in accordance with section 145C(5) or (8) of the Government of Wales Act 1998; or
(c)in any other circumstances, except where such a disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the effective performance by such a person of a function imposed or conferred on the person by or under an enactment.
(3) A person mentioned in subsection (2) who discloses any such information otherwise than as authorised by subsection (2) is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.”