HC Deb 05 April 1982 vol 21 cc790-1

39G.—(1) No information relating to a particular body or other person and obtained by any auditor, or by a person acting on behalf of an auditor, in the course of any audit under this Schedule shall be disclosed except—

  1. (a) with the consent of the body or person to whom the information relates; or
  2. (b) for the purposes of any functions of an auditor under this Schedule; or
  3. (c) for the purposes of any criminal proceedings.

(2) Any person who discloses any information in contravention of sub-paragraph (1) above shall be guilty of an offence and liable—

  1. (a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding the prescribed sum (as defined in section 32(9) of the magistrates' Courts Act 1980) or to both; or
    2. 791
  2. (b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or to both.'.—[Mr. King.]

Brought up, and read the First and Second time.

Amendment made: Leave out paragraph 39(2) and insert: `(2) A person shall not be qualified for appointment under this paragraph unless he is—

  1. (a) a member of a body of accountants established in the United Kingdom and recognised for the purposes of section 161(1)(a) of the Companies Act 1948; or
  2. (b) a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy; but a firm may be so appointed if each of its members is qualified to be so appointed. '.—[Mr. Squire.]

Schedule, as amended, added to the Bill.

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