259.Schedule 7 sets out the basis upon which information obtained under the Act can be disclosed. Information obtained under this Act (except for that obtained under section 62 or section 118) which relates to the affairs of a person or business may only be disclosed if it falls within one of the criteria in this schedule. Paragraph 3(1) allows disclosures to be made for certain purposes which are listed there. One of these purposes (see paragraph 3(1)(b)) is to facilitate the carrying out by a person or body listed in paragraph 3(2) of any function conferred by the Acts and other legislation listed in paragraph 3(3). The Secretary of State may modify paragraph 3 by Order. There are comparable provisions in the Telecommunications Act 1984. The Act makes it an offence to disclose information in contravention of Schedule 7.
Disclosure of information