Water Industry Act 1991

Provisions with respect to competition E+W

31 Functions of [F1 Authority] with respect to competition. E+W

(1) F2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F3 (2) The functions to which subsection (2A) below applies shall be concurrent functions of [F1 the Authority] and the [F4 CMA].

(2A) This subsection applies to the functions of the [F5 CMA] under Part 4 of the 2002 Act (other than sections 166 [F6 171 and 174E]) so far as [F7 those functions—

(a) are exercisable by the CMA Board (within the meaning of Schedule 4 to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013), and

(b) relate to] commercial activities connected with the supply of water or the provision of sewerage services.]

[F8 (3) [F1 The Authority] shall be entitled to exercise, concurrently with the [F9 CMA], the functions of the [F9 CMA] under the provisions of Part 1 of the Competition Act 1998 (other than sections 31D(1) to (6), 38(1) to (6) [F10 , 40B(1) to (4)] and 51), so far as relating to —

(a) agreements, decisions or concerted practices of the kind mentioned in section 2(1) of that Act,

(b) conduct of the kind mentioned in section 18(1) of that Act,

(c) agreements, decisions or concerted practices of the kind mentioned in [F11 Article 101(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union], or

(d) conduct which amounts to abuse of the kind mentioned in [F12 Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union],

which relate to commercial activities connected with the supply of water or securing a supply of water or with the provision or securing of sewerage services.]

[F13 (4) So far as necessary for the purposes of, or in connection with, subsections (2) and (2A) [F14 above—

(a) references] in Part 4 of the 2002 Act to the [F15 CMA] (including references in provisions of that Act applied by that Part) shall be construed as including references to [F1 the Authority] (except in sections 166 [F16 , 171 and 174E] of that Act and in any other provision of that Act where the context otherwise [F17 requires);

(b) references in that Part to section 5 of the 2002 Act are to be construed as including references to section 27(1) and (2) of this Act.]

[F18 (4ZA) Section 130A of the 2002 Act is to have effect in its application in relation to the Authority] by virtue of subsections (2) and (2A)—

(a) as if for subsection (1) of that section there were substituted—

“(1) Where the Water Services Regulation Authority—

(a) is proposing to carry out its functions under section 27(1) and (2) of the Water Industry Act 1991 in relation to a matter for the purposes mentioned in subsection (2), and

(b) considers that the matter is one in respect of which it would be appropriate for the Authority to exercise its powers under section 174 (investigation) in connection with deciding whether to make a reference under section 131,

the Authority must publish a notice under this section (referred to in this Part as a “market study notice”).”, and

(b) as if in subsection (2)(a) of that section, for “the acquisition or supply of goods or services of one or more than one description in the United Kingdom” there were substituted “commercial activities connected with the supply of water or the provision of sewerage services (within the meaning given by section 219(1) of the Water Industry Act 1991)”.]

F19 [(4A) So far as necessary for the purposes of, or in connection with, the provisions of subsection (3) above, references in Part I of the Competition Act 1998 to [F20 the CMA] are to be read as including a reference to [F1 the Authority] ([F21 except in sections 31D(1) to (6), 38(1) to (6)] [F10 , 40B(1) to (4)], 51, 52(6) and (8) and 54 of that Act and in any other provision of that Act where the context otherwise requires).]

[F22 (5) Before the [F23 CMA] or [F1 the Authority] first exercises in relation to any matter functions which are exercisable concurrently by virtue of subsection (2) above, that person shall consult the other.

(6) Neither the [F23 CMA] nor [F1 the Authority] shall exercise in relation to any matter functions which are exercisable concurrently by virtue of subsection (2) above if functions which are so exercisable have been exercised in relation to that matter by the other.]

(7) It shall be the duty of [F1 the Authority], for the purpose of assisting [F24 a CMA group] in carrying out an investigation on a [F25 market investigation reference made by the Authority (under section 131 of the 2002 Act)] by virtue of subsection (2) F26 . . . above, to give to the [F27 group] —

(a) any information which is in [F1 its] possession and which relates to matters falling within the scope of the investigation, and which is either requested by the [F27 group] for that purpose or is information which in [F1 its] opinion it would be appropriate for that purpose to give to the [F27 group] without any such request; and

(b) any other assistance which the [F27 group] may require, and which it is within [F1 its] power to give, in relation to any such matters;

and the [F27 group] shall, for the purposes of carrying out any such investigation, take into account any information given to them for that purpose under this subsection.

[F28 (7A) In subsection (7) “CMA group” has the same meaning as in Schedule 4 to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.]

(8) If any question arises as to whether subsection (2) or (3) above F29 . . . applies to any particular case, that question shall be referred to and determined by the Secretary of State; and no objection shall be taken to anything done under—

(a) [F30 Part 4 of the 2002 Act]; or

F31 [(b) Part I of the Competition Act 1998 ([F32 other than sections 31D(1) to (6), 38(1) to (6)] [F33 , 40B(1) to (4)] and 51),]

by or in relation to [F1 the Authority] on the ground that it should have been done by or in relation to [F34 the CMA] .

[F35 (8A) Section 117 of the 2002 Act (offences of supplying false or misleading information) as applied by section 180 of that Act shall have effect so far as relating to functions exercisable by [F1 the Authority] by virtue of subsection (2) above as if the references in section 117(1)(a) and (2) to the [F36 CMA] included references to [F1 the Authority].]

(9) F37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Act substituted (1.4.2006) by virtue of Water Act 2003 (c. 37), ss. 36(2), 105(3); S.I. 2005/2714, art. 4(c)

F2 S. 31(1) ceases to have effect (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. (8)(a), Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional and transitory provisions in art. 3)

F3 S. 31(2)(2A) substituted (20.6.2003) for s. 31(2) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(2); S.I. 2003/ 1397, {art. 2(1)}, Sch.

F4 Word in s. 31(2) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(2) (with art. 3)

F5 Word in s. 31(2A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(3)(a) (with art. 3)

F6 Words in s. 31(2A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(3)(b) (with art. 3)

F7 Words in s. 31(2A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(3)(c) (with art. 3)

F8 S. 31(3) substituted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 5, Sch. 2 para.4(2)(a)

F9 Word in s. 31(3) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(4) (with art. 3)

F10 Words in s. 31(3)(4A) inserted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 15 para. 5; S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(f) (with Sch.); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(f) (with Sch.)

F11 Words in s. 31(3)(c) substituted (1.8.2012) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology or Numbering) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1809), art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1 (with art. 2(2))

F12 Words in s. 31(3)(d) substituted (1.8.2012) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology or Numbering) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1809), art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1 (with art. 2(2))

F13 S. 31(4) substituted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(3); S.I. 2003/ 1397, {art. 2(1)}, Sch.

F14 Words in s. 31(4) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(5)(a) (with art. 3)

F15 Word in s. 31(4) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(5)(b) (with art. 3)

F16 Words in s. 31(4) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(5)(c) (with art. 3)

F17 Words in s. 31(4) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(5)(d) (with art. 3)

F18 S. 31(4ZA) inserted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(6) (with art. 3)

F19 S. 31(4A) inserted (26.11.1998 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.3.2000) by 1998 c. 41, s. 54(3), Sch. 10 Pt. II para. 5(5)(8) (with s. 73); S.I. 1997/2750, art. 2(1); S.I. 2000/344, art. 2 Sch.

F20 Words in s. 31(4A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(7) (with art. 3)

F21 Words in s. 31(4A) substituted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 5, Sch. 2 para. 4(2)(b)

F22 S. 31(5)(6) substituted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(4); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

F23 Word in s. 31(5)(6) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(8) (with art. 3)

F24 Words in s. 31(7) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(9)(a)(i) (with art. 3)

F25 Words in s. 31(7) substituted (1.4.2014) by virtue of The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(9)(a)(ii) (with art. 3)

F26 Words in s. 31(7) repealed (26.11.1998 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.3.2000) by 1998 c. 41, ss. 54(3), 74(3), Sch. 10 Pt. II para. 5(5)(11), Sch. 14 Pt. I (with s. 73); S.I. 1998/2750, art. 2(1); S.I. 2000/344, art. 2 Sch.

F27 Word in s. 31(7) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(9)(b) (with art. 3)

F28 S. 31(7A) inserted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(10) (with art. 3)

F29 Words in s. 31(8) repealed (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(1), 178, 179, Sch. 9 para. 19(5)(a), Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with savings in art. 10)

F30 Words in s. 31(8) substituted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(5)(b); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

F31 S. 31(8)(b) substituted (26.11.1998 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.3.2000) by 1998 c. 41, s. 54(3), Sch. 10 Pt. II para. 5(5)(12) (with s. 73); S.I. 1998/2750, art. 2(1); S.I. 2000/344, art. 2 Sch.

F32 Words in s. 31(8)(b) substituted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 5, Sch. 2 para. 4(2)(c)

F33 Words in s. 31(8)(b) inserted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 15 para. 5; S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(f) (with Sch.)

F34 Words in s. 31(8) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(11) (with art. 3)

F35 S. 31(8A) substituted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(6); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

F36 Word in s. 31(8A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(12) (with art. 3)

F37 S. 31(9) repealed (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(1), 278, 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(7), Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with savings in art. 10)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 31(3) restricted (26.11.1998 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.3.2000) by 1998 c. 41, s. 54(3), Sch. 10 para. 5(1) (with s. 73); S.I. 1998/2750, art. 2(1); S.I. 2000/344, art. 2 Sch.

S. 31(3) amended (1.3.2000) by 1998 c. 41, ss. 54, 66(5), Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 5(1) (with s. 73); S.I. 2000/344, art. 2 Sch.

[F38 32 Duty to refer merger of water or sewerage undertakings. E+W

Subject to section 33 below, it shall be the duty of the [F39 CMA to make a reference to its chair for the constitution of a group under Schedule 4 to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 if the CMA believes] that it is or may be the case—

(a) that arrangements are in progress which, if carried into effect, will result in a merger of any two or more water enterprises; or

(b) that such a merger has taken place otherwise than as a result of the carrying into effect of arrangements that have been the subject of a reference by virtue of paragraph (a) above.]

Textual Amendments

F38 Ss. 32-35 substituted (29.12.2004) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 70(1), 279; S.I. 2004/3233, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-5)

F39 Words in s. 32 substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 85 (with art. 3)

[F40 33 Exclusion of small mergers from duty to make reference. E+W

(1) The [F41 CMA] shall not make a merger reference under section 32 above in respect of any actual or prospective merger of two or more water enterprises if it appears to the [F41 CMA] —

(a) that the value of the turnover of the water enterprise being taken over does not exceed or, as the case may be, would not exceed £10 million; or

(b) that the only water enterprises already belonging to the person making the take over are enterprises each of which has a turnover the value of which does not exceed or, as the case may be, would not exceed £10 million.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a) above, the value of the turnover of the water enterprise being taken over shall be determined by taking the total value of the turnover of the water enterprises ceasing to be distinct enterprises and deducting—

(a) the turnover of any water enterprise continuing to be carried on under the same ownership and control; or

(b) if there is no water enterprise continuing to be carried on under the same ownership and control, the turnover which, of all the turnovers concerned, is the turnover of the highest value.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) above—

(a) every water enterprise ceasing to be a distinct enterprise and whose turnover is to be deducted by virtue of subsection (2)(a) or (b) above shall be treated as a water enterprise belonging to the person making the take over; and

(b) water enterprises shall be treated as separate enterprises so far as they are carried on by different companies holding appointments under Chapter 1 of this Part.

(4) For the purposes of this section the turnover of a water enterprise shall be determined in accordance with such provisions as may be specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(5) Regulations under subsection (4) above may, in particular, make provision as to—

(a) the amounts which are, or which are not, to be treated as comprising an enterprise’s turnover; and

(b) the date or dates by reference to which an enterprise’s turnover is to be determined.

(6) Regulations under subsection (4) above may, in particular, make provision enabling the Secretary of State or the [F42 CMA] to determine matters of a description specified in the regulations (including any of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (5) above).

[F43 (6A) The CMA must—

(a) keep under review the conditions set out in subsection (1)(a) and (b), and

(b) from time to time advise the Secretary of State as to whether the conditions in subsection (1)(a) and (b), and the sums mentioned in those paragraphs, are still appropriate.]

(7) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend subsection (1) above so as—

(a) to alter the sum for the time being mentioned in paragraph (a) of that subsection or otherwise to modify the condition set out in that paragraph; or

(b) to alter the sum for the time being mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection or otherwise to modify the condition set out in that paragraph.

(8) Regulations under subsection (7) above—

(a) shall not make any modifications in relation to mergers on or before the coming into force of the regulations; and

(b) may, in particular, include supplemental, consequential or transitional provision amending or repealing any provision of this section.

(9) References in this section to enterprises being carried on under the same ownership and control shall be construed in accordance with Part 3 of the 2002 Act.]

Textual Amendments

F40 Ss. 32-35 substituted (29.12.2004) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 70(1), 279; S.I. 2004/3233, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-5)

F41 Word in s. 33(1) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 86 (with art. 3)

F42 Word in s. 33(6) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 86 (with art. 3)

F43 S. 33(6A) inserted (14.7.2014) by Water Act 2014 (c. 21), ss. 15, 94(2)(c)

[F44 34 Application of provisions of Enterprise Act 2002 E+W

The provisions of Schedule 4ZA to this Act shall have effect with respect to mergers of water enterprises.]

Textual Amendments

F44 Ss. 32-35 substituted (29.12.2004) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 70(1), 279; S.I. 2004/3233, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-5)

[F45 35 Construction of merger provisions. E+W

(1) In this Chapter (including Schedule 4ZA)—

• “enterprise” has the same meaning as in Part 3 of the 2002 Act; and

• “water enterprise” means an enterprise carried on by a [F46 relevant undertaker].

(2) References in this Chapter (including Schedule 4ZA), in relation to any two or more enterprises, to the merger of those enterprises are references to those enterprises ceasing, within the meaning of Part 3 of the 2002 Act, to be distinct enterprises; and sections 27 and 29 of that Act and any provision made under section 34 of that Act (time at which enterprises cease to be distinct) shall have effect for the purposes of this Chapter (including Schedule 4ZA) as they have effect for the purposes of that Part.

(3) Nothing in sections 32 to 34 above (including Schedule 4ZA) shall prejudice any power of the [F47 CMA] or the Secretary of State, in a case in which, or to any extent to which, the [F47 CMA] is not required to make a reference under section 32 above, to make a reference under Part 3 of the 2002 Act in respect of any actual or prospective merger of two or more water enterprises.

(4) Where two or more enterprises have merged or will merge as part of transactions or arrangements which also involve an actual or prospective merger of two or more water enterprises, Part 3 of the 2002 Act shall apply in relation to the actual or prospective merger of the enterprises concerned excluding the water enterprises; and references in that Part to the creation of a relevant merger situation shall be construed accordingly.

(5) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), Part 3 of the 2002 Act shall not apply in a case in which the [F48 CMA] is required to make a reference under section 32 above except as applied by virtue of Schedule 4ZA.]

Textual Amendments

F45 Ss. 32-35 substituted (29.12.2004) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 70(1), 279; S.I. 2004/3233, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-5)

F46 S. 35(1): words in definition of "water enterprise" substituted (29.12.2004) by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), ss. 101(1), 105(3), Sch. 7 para. 27(2); S.I. 2004/2528, art. 3 (with savings in art. 4)

F47 Word in s. 35(3) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 87 (with art. 3)

F48 Word in s. 35(5) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 87 (with art. 3)