56.—(1) Regulations may provide—
(a)for—
(i)information recorded in the register,
(ii)extracts from the register, or
(iii)copies of the register or of extracts from it,
to be provided to prescribed persons in prescribed circumstances, and
(b)for the inspection of—
(i)the register,
(ii)extracts from the register, or
(iii)copies of the register or of extracts from it,
by prescribed persons in prescribed circumstances.
(2) Regulations under paragraph (1) may, in particular—
(a)confer functions on—
(i)the Department, or
(ii)a person authorised by the Department for the purposes of the regulations;
(b)make provision with respect to the disclosure of information obtained by virtue of the regulations.
(3) Regulations which contain any provision made by virtue of paragraph (2)(b) may, in particular, modify Article 77 (restricted information).
(4) The Department may direct the Regulator to submit to it statistical and other reports concerning—
(a)information recorded in the register, and
(b)the operation of the Regulator's functions in relation to the register.
(5) A direction under paragraph (4) may specify—
(a)the form in which, and
(b)the times at which,
reports required by the direction are to be submitted.
(6) The Department may publish any report submitted to it by virtue of a direction under paragraph (4) in such manner as it considers appropriate.
(7) In this Article “the register” means the register of occupational and personal pension schemes compiled and maintained under section 59 of the Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35).