ABSTRACT
The Assembly has the power to call for witnesses and documents. Consistent with section 23 of the Scotland Act 1998 and sections 74 and 75 of the Government of Wales Act 1998, the Assembly may require certain categories of person to attend, and the power may also be exercised by Assembly committees, but not by an individual committee member or member of staff of the Authority. Certain categories of information, and documents, which a person required to attend may refuse to disclose may be prescribed by the Secretary of State. Refusal or failure to attend proceedings as required, or failure to answer questions, or produce required documents, or the alteration, suppression, concealment or destruction of documents required to be produced is an office. On conviction a person is liable to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months. A person is not obliged to answer questions or produce documents which he would be entitled to refuse to answer or produce before court proceedings in England and Wales.97
