Member

28: Clause 67, page 36, line 13, at end insert— “(1A) The exercise of the following powers by an authorised officer requires explicit authorisation by a Minister of the Crown issuing information notices under section 3 requiring disclosure of personal financial records; applications for warrants under section 7 involving entry to premises and seizure of evidence; orders under sections 17 and 38 where the amount involved exceeds £10,000.(1B) All other investigatory and enforcement powers under this Act must be authorised by an official at Senior Civil Service grade or above.(1C) The Public Sector Fraud Authority must maintain a register recording—(a) the nature and date of each exercise of these powers;(b) the name and position of the official or Minister authorising the exercise;(c) the justification provided for exercising the powers.(1D) The Minister must lay before Parliament a copy of this register annually within three months of the conclusion of the financial year to which it relates.”Member's explanatory statement This amendment, together with others to this clause in the name of Baroness Finn, would ensure greater ministerial and parliamentary oversight when the powers provided for in this Bill are exercised by authorised officers on behalf of the Minister for the Cabinet Office.