Commentary on Sections Information Section 8 – Secretary of State’s power to require information
40.This section enables the Secretary of State by notice to require specific and detailed information from those organising activities connected with the United Kingdom in Antarctica in the event that those activities appear to the Secretary of State to have, directly or indirectly, caused an environmental emergency or an incident which has the potential to cause an adverse impact on the environment of Antarctica. Failure to comply with a request for information within the time period specified is an offence (see subsection (4)), except if the person does not have the information and could not reasonably be expected to obtain it (subsection (5)). Subsection (7) prohibits the use of information given by a person pursuant to a notice under this section from being used in evidence against the person in any criminal proceedings.