17.—(1) A person shall not, without the consent of the Agency, disclose any information obtained by him while performing duties as a member or employee of, or a consultant or adviser to, the Agency.
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £500.
(3) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall prevent—
(a) disclosure of information in a report made to the Agency or (on behalf of the Agency) to the Minister,
(b) disclosure of information by a member or employee of the Agency for the purpose of a scheme of research or development.
