17. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Minister F16[and the Minister for Education] may use any information or documents furnished under section 14 or 15 as F17[the Minister concerned] requires for the performance of his or her functions (whether under this Act or otherwise).

(2) Where any information or document has been furnished under section 14 or 15, nothing in this section is to be taken to permit publication, in whole or in part, of the information or document if such publication would not otherwise be lawful.