173Offence-related warrants

173 Offence-related 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 there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is, or there may be within the next 72 hours, evidential material in or on the premises. (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) name 1 or more inspectors; and (b) authorise the named inspectors, with any necessary and reasonable assistance and force— (i) to enter the premises; and (ii) to exercise the powers mentioned in section 154 (3) (Searches and seizures related to offences) and section 155 (Offence-related powers of inspectors for premises); and (iii) to seize the evidential material; and (c) 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 (d) state the day (not later than 1 week after the issue of the warrant) the warrant ceases to have effect; and (e) state the purpose for which the warrant is issued.