172Monitoring warrants

172 Monitoring warrants (1) An inspector may apply to a magistrate for a warrant under this section for premises. (2) The magistrate may issue the warrant if the magistrate is satisfied, by evidence on oath, that it is reasonably necessary that 1 or more inspectors should have access to the premises for monitoring compliance with this Act. (3) However, the magistrate may issue the warrant only if the inspector or someone else has given to the magistrate, either orally or by affidavit, the further information (if any) that the magistrate requires about the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought.

(4) The warrant must— (a) authorise 1 or more inspectors (whether or not named in the warrant), with any necessary and reasonable assistance and force— (i) to enter the premises; and (ii) to exercise the powers mentioned in section 153 (Monitoring powers) in relation to the premises; and (b) state whether the entry is authorised to be made at any time of the day or night or during stated hours of the day or night; and (c) state the day (not later than 28 days after the day the warrant is issued) that the warrant ceases to have effect; and (d) state the purpose for which the warrant is issued.