160Power of formal questioning

160 Power of formal questioning (1) For the purposes of a compliance review or an investigation, an inspector may, by written notice, require a person: (a) within the time allowed in the notice, to provide written answers to specific questions or other specified written information; or

Burial and Cremation Act 2022 87 (b) to attend before the inspector at a specified time and place for examination on a subject stated in the notice; or (c) within the time allowed in the notice, to produce specified records or documents; or (d) within the time allowed in the notice, to produce records or documents of a specified kind. (2) A person required under subsection (1)(a) to provide written answers to questions or other written information must verify the answers or information by statutory declaration. (3) A person who attends for examination before an inspector must: (a) if the inspector so requires – take an oath to answer truthfully all questions put to the person by the inspector; and (b) answer any question put to the person at the examination. (4) A person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with a requirement under this section. (6) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (4) if the defendant took reasonable steps to comply with a requirement under this section.