13 (1) The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 330 (failure to disclose: regulated sector), after subsection (7D) insert—

“(7E) Nor does a person commit an offence under this section if—

(a) the information or other matter mentioned in subsection (3) consists of or includes information that was obtained only in consequence of the carrying out of a process to identify matching accounts in response to an account information notice given to the person under paragraph 1 of Schedule 3B to the Social Security Administration Act 1992 or paragraph 1 of Schedule 3B to the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, and

(b) but for the information so obtained the person would not have reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting that another person is engaged in money laundering.”

(3) In section 331 (failure to disclose: nominated officers in the regulated sector), after subsection (6B) insert—

“(6C) Nor does a person commit an offence under this section if—

(a) the information or other matter disclosed to the person under section 330 consists of or includes information that was obtained only in consequence of the carrying out of a process to identify matching accounts in response to an account information notice given to the person under paragraph 1 of Schedule 3B to the Social Security Administration Act 1992 or paragraph 1 of Schedule 3B to the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, and

(b) but for the information so obtained the person would not have reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting that another person is engaged in money laundering.””—(Sir John Whittingdale.)

This new Schedule amends social security legislation to give the Secretary of State or, in Northern Ireland, the Department for Communities, a new power to give an information notice to certain bodies (to be specified in regulations) that administer accounts, requiring them to provide information about accounts in receipt of social security benefits (etc) which match criteria set out in the notice.

Brought up, and read the First and Second time.

Question put, That the schedule be added to the Bill.

The House divided: Ayes 274, Noes 52.

Question accordingly agreed to.

New schedule 1 read a Second time, and added to the Bill.

Proceedings interrupted (Programme Order, 17 April).

The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that time (Standing Order No. 83E).