(1)  Where a relevant authority receives an application for information under this Part, the relevant authority shall, subject to and in accordance with this Part –

(a) so far as the information to which the application relates is contained in records in the possession or under the control of the relevant authority, give the information to the applicant if the information is such as may be given to him under this Part; and

(b) where the relevant authority is the Secretary and the information to which the application relates is not contained in records in his possession or under his control, request any agency, body, or person from which or from whom the information may be available–

(i) to give the information to the Secretary; or

(ii) where the applicant agrees and the request so states, to give the information to the applicant, so far as the information may be given to him under this Part.

(2)  On receipt of information under subsection (1) , the Secretary shall give the information to the applicant, so far as it may be given to him under this Part.

(3)  Where information sought under this Part is not contained in any records referred to in subsection (1) , a relevant authority shall –

(a) make such reasonable inquiries as in all the circumstances of the case ought to be made for the purposes of obtaining the information; and

(b) on obtaining the information, give it to the applicant, so far as it may be given to him under this Part.

(4)  Where an application has been made under this Part to a relevant authority other than the Secretary for information that is not contained in records in the possession, or under the control, of that relevant authority–

(a) the relevant authority shall notify the Secretary of that fact; and

(b) on receipt of a notification under paragraph (a) , the Secretary shall request any agency, body, or person from which or from whom the information may be available to give the information to the Secretary.

(5)  On receipt of information sought under subsection (4) , the Secretary shall give the information to the relevant authority referred to in that subsection.

(6)  On receipt of information under subsection (5) , a relevant authority shall give the information to the applicant, so far as it may be given to him under this Part.