Restriction Order - 4 November 2022

Restriction Order Pursuant to S.19 of the Inquiries Act 2005

The Chair has the power under section 19 of the Inquiries Act 2005 (“the Act”) to make orders restricting disclosure or publication of evidence and documents given, produced or provided to the Inquiry.

Any threat to break such an order, or any breach of it, can be certified to the High Court or Court of Session under section 36 of the Act, which will deal with it as though the breach had occurred in proceedings before that court, and may be punishable by a fine or committal to prison.

Background

Mr David McDonnell, who will give oral evidence at an Inquiry hearing on 16 November 2022, has made an application for redactions to be made to his written statement dated 3 November 2022. For the reasons set out in a closed ruling dated 31 October 2022, the Chair has granted Mr McDonnell’s application.

Order

In exercise of the power under section 19 of the Inquiries Act 2005, and to give effect to the closed ruling dated 31 October 2022, IT IS ORDERED THAT:

  1. Unless express permission is given by the Chair of the Inquiry, or the Solicitor to the Inquiry acting on his behalf, the evidence which is the subject of the closed ruling dated 31 October 2022, must be kept confidential and must not be disclosed or published in any form.
  2. There shall be no disclosure or publication of the application for redaction or the closed ruling dated 31 October 2022.
  3. This Order remains in force for the duration of the Inquiry and at all times thereafter, unless otherwise ordered.
  4. The Chair of the Inquiry may vary or revoke this Order by making a further order during the course of the Inquiry.

Dated 4 November 2022

 

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Sir Wyn Williams

Chair