171Magistrates' Court may extend 3 month period

171 Magistrates' Court may extend 3 month period (1) An inspector may apply to the Magistrates' Court— (a) within 3 months after seizing a document or other thing under this Division; or (b) if an extension has been granted under this section, before the end of the period of the extension— for an extension not exceeding 3 months of the period for which the inspector may retain the document or thing but so that the total period of retention does not exceed 12 months. (2) The Magistrates' Court may order such an extension if it is satisfied that the total period of retention does not exceed 12 months and retention of the document or other thing is necessary— (a) for the purposes of an investigation into whether a contravention of this Act or the regulations has occurred; or (b) to enable evidence of a contravention of this Act or the regulations to be obtained for the purposes of a proceeding under this Act. (3) The Magistrates' Court may adjourn an application to enable notice of the application to be given to any person.