HL Deb 18 July 2000 vol 615 c967

(" .—(1) The Commissioner may certify an offence to the High Court where—

  1. (a) a person, without lawful excuse, obstructs him or any member of his staff in the exercise of any of his functions under regulations made by virtue of section (Review and monitoring of arrangements)(5) or (Examination of cases); or
  2. (b) a person is guilty of any act or omission in relation to an examination under regulations made by virtue of section (Examination of cases) which, if that examination were proceedings in the High Court, would constitute contempt of court.

(2) Where an offence is so certified the High Court may inquire into the matter; and after hearing—

  1. (a) any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of the person charged with the offence; and
  2. (b) any statement that may be offered in defence,
the High Court may deal with the person charged with the offence in any manner in which it could deal with him if he had committed the same offence in relation to the High Court.")

92 Insert the following new clause—