Schedule 15: Powers of entry and inspection
This Schedule makes provision in respect of the Commissioner’s powers of entry and inspection. It substantively replicates Schedule 9 to the 1998 Act.
	Paragraph 1 sets out the circumstances in which a circuit judge, a District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) or a judge of the High Court may grant a warrant to the Commissioner other than in connection with assessment notices.
	Paragraph 2 gives the court the power to issue warrants in connection with assessment notices.
	Paragraph 3 prevents a judge from issuing a warrant if the processing is required for special purposes (i.e. for the purposes of journalism or academic, artistic or literary purposes) unless a determination under section 174 with respect to the data or the processing has taken effect.
	Paragraph 4 provides restrictions and conditions which a Judge must consider and be satisfied have been met before issuing a warrant. A Judge may only issue a warrant if satisfied that one or more of the requirements within paragraph 4(1) is met. In order for the requirement under paragraph 4(1)(a) to be satisfied, the three conditions within paragraph 4, sub-paragraphs (2) to (4) must be met. Alternatively, the judge must be satisfied that the Information Commissioner requires urgent access to the premises and/or compliance with the conditions in question would defeat the object of entry into the premises in question.
	Paragraph 5 makes provision as to the content of warrants. A warrant must, among other matters, authorise the Commissioner to enter and search premises and inspect and seize documents.
	Paragraph 6 sets out the process to be followed by a judge when issuing a warrant.
	Paragraph 7 allows a person executing a warrant issued under this Schedule to use reasonable force.
	Paragraph 8 requires that a warrant must be executed at a reasonable hour, unless there are grounds to suspect that doing so would defeat the purpose of the warrant.
	Paragraph 9 requires the person executing the warrant to show the occupier the warrant and give the occupier a copy. Otherwise it must be left in a prominent place on the premises.
	Paragraph 10 requires a person executing a warrant to provide a receipt and give the occupier a copy when seizing a document. It does not require the person executing the warrant to provide a copy of the document, if providing a copy would result in undue delay. The seized document may be retained for as long as necessary.
	Paragraphs 11 and 12 exempts from seizure certain privileged communications.
	Paragraph 13 makes provision about partially exempt material. It allows the person in occupation of the premises to object to inspection or seizure of material on the ground that the powers under the warrant are not fully exercisable in respect of it. It requires that the person must, on request, provide a copy of material that is not exempt from the powers of the warrant.
	Paragraph 14 makes provision relating to the return of warrants.
	Paragraph 15 sets out offences relating to the execution of a warrant.
	Paragraph 16 sets out the circumstances which a statement given in explanation of any document or other material found on the premises in connection with the execution of a warrant may be used in evidence against the person who gave the statement.
	Paragraph 17 makes provision in relation to means of transport which fall within the definition of "premises" for the purposes of this Schedule and also the meaning of an occupier of premises in that context.
	Paragraph 18 makes provision relating to the application of this Schedule to Scotland. Paragraph 19 does the same for Northern Ireland.