Inspections under Convention
Inspections: interpretation. 24. For the purposes of sections 25 to 28—
- (a) the verification annex is the annex on implementation and verification to the Convention;
- (b) a routine inspection is an inspection conducted pursuant to Parts II to IX of that annex;
- (c) a challenge inspection is an inspection conducted pursuant to Parts II and X of that annex;
- (d) an assistance inspection is an inspection conducted pursuant to Parts II and XI of that annex;
- (e) “in-country escort”, “inspector”, “inspection team” and “observer” have the meanings given by Part I of that annex.
Rights of entry etc. for purposes of inspections. 25.—(1) if it is proposed to conduct a routine inspection, a challenge inspection or an assistance inspection in the United Kingdom, the Secretary of State may issue an authorisation under this section in respect of that inspection.
(2) An authorisation under this section shall—
- (a) contain a description of the area (the specified area) in which the inspection is to be conducted,
- (b) specify the type of inspection concerned,
- (c) state the names of the members of the inspection team by whom the inspection is to be carried out, and
- (d) in the case of a challenge inspection, state the name of any observer who may accompany the team.
(3) Such an authorisation shall have the effect of authorising the inspection team—
- (a) to exercise within the specified area such rights of access, entry and unobstructed inspection as are conferred on them by the verification annex, and
- (b) to do such other things within that area in connection with the inspection as they are entitled to do by virtue of the verification annex (including things concerning the maintenance, replacement or adjustment of any instrument or other object).
(4) Such an authorisation shall in addition have the effect of—
- (a) authorising an in-country escort to accompany the inspection team in accordance with the provisions of the verification annex, and
- (b) authorising any constable to give such assistance as the in-country escort may request for the purpose of facilitating the conduct of the inspection in accordance with the verification annex;
and the name of the person in charge of the in-country escort shall be stated in the authorisation.
(5) An authorisation under this section in the case of a challenge inspection shall in addition have the effect of authorising the observer to exercise within the specified area such rights of access and entry as are conferred on him by the verification annex.
