Section 217 - Procedure, powers, etc., of inspectors

Inspector powers: compel production, examination on oath and use of evidence to support statutory corporate investigations.

Section 217 obliges officers, employees and agents of companies (including former personnel) and relevant officers of other bodies to preserve and produce books and papers and to assist an inspector. An inspector may require documents or information from other bodies, examine persons on oath (with prior government approval for third parties), and exercise civil court powers for discovery, summons and inspection. Produced records have a statutory retention limit subject to extension; examination notes are recorded, read and signed and may be used in evidence. Non-compliance attracts imprisonment, fines and potential disqualification. Authorities must assist inspectors, and reciprocal international cooperation and letters of request are authorised.