Counter-Inflation Act 1973

18Offences by unincorporated bodies

(1)This section has effect as respects any organisation of workers or organisation of employers, or any other organisation, where the organisation of workers or employers or other organisation is an unincorporated body.

(2)If anything which is made illegal by or under any provision of this Act, or which would be illegal but for the provisions of subsection (3) below, is done by a person within the scope of his authority on behalf of such an unincorporated body, that body shall be guilty of an offence under that provision, and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished as if the illegal action had been taken by that body.

(3)In proceedings for an offence under subsection (2), or paragraph (a) of subsection (5), of section 17 of this Act against an official of an unincorporated organisation of workers in respect of action taken by him in his capacity as such an official it shall be a defence to show that he was acting within the scope of his authority on behalf of the unincorporated organisation of workers.

(4)Where an offence is alleged to have been committed under this Act by an unincorporated body within subsection (1) above—

(a)proceedings for the offence shall be brought in the name of that body (and not in that of any of its members),

(b)for the purpose of any such proceedings any rules of court relating to the service of documents shall have effect as if that body were a corporation, and

(c)any fine imposed on conviction shall be enforceable, by way of execution, diligence or otherwise, against the funds of that body.

(5)Where an offence mentioned in subsection (4) above is an offence punishable on conviction on indictment, section 33 of the [1925 c. 86.] Criminal Justice Act 1925 and Schedule 2 to the [1952 c. 55.] Magistrates' Courts Act 1952 shall have effect as if the said body were a corporation.

(6)In subsection (2) above the expression " within the scope of his authority " shall be construed in accordance with section 167(9) of the [1971 c. 72.] Industrial Relations Act 1971.