HL Deb 18 July 2000 vol 615 c967

(" .—(1) Regulations may make provision for the examination by the Commissioner of the cases of particular children to whom this Part applies.

(2) The regulations may include provision about—

  1. (a) the types of case which may be examined;
  2. (b) the circumstances in which an examination may be made;
  3. (c) the procedure for conducting an examination, including provision about the representation of parties;
  4. (d) the publication of reports following an examination.

(3) The regulations may make provision for—

  1. (a) requiring persons to provide the Commissioner with information; or
  2. (b) requiring persons who hold or are accountable for information to provide the Commissioner with explanations or other assistance,
for the purposes of an examination or for the purposes of determining whether any recommendation made in a report following an examination has been complied with.

(4) For the purposes mentioned in subsection (3), the Commissioner shall have the same powers as the High Court in respect of—

  1. (a) the attendance and examination of witnesses (including the administration of oaths and affirmations and the examination of witnesses abroad); and
  2. (b) the provision of information.

(5) No person shall be compelled for the purposes mentioned in subsection (3) to give any evidence or provide any information which he could not be compelled to give or provide in civil proceedings before the High Court.

(6) The regulations may make provision for the payment by the Commissioner of sums in respect of expenses or allowances to persons who attend or provide information for the purposes mentioned in subsection (3).")

91 Insert the following new clause—