59. Assistance by Commissioner in cases involving processing for the special purposes

59—

1. An individual who is an actual or prospective party to any proceedings—

(a) under section 6(6), 11(5), 12(5), or 13(5); and (b) which relate to personal data processed for the special purposes, may apply to the Commissioner for assistance in relation to those proceedings.

2. The Commissioner—

(a) shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving an application under subsection (1), consider the application and decide whether and to what extent to grant the application; and

(b) shall not grant the application unless, in the Commissioner’s opinion, the case involves a matter of substantial public importance.

3. If the Commissioner decides to provide assistance under this section, the Commissioner shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the decision, notify the applicant, stating the extent of the assistance to be provided.

4. If the Commissioner decides not to provide assistance under this section, the Commissioner shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the decision, notify the applicant of the Commissioner’s decision and the reasons therefore.

5. In this section—

(a) references to “proceedings” include references to prospective proceedings;

(b) “applicant”, in relation to assistance under this section, means an individual who applies for assistance.