[F115AReferences under section 15: time limitsU.K.
(1)Every reference under section 15 shall specify a period (not longer than six months beginning with the date of the reference) within which a report on the reference is to be made.
(2)A report of the Competition Commission on a reference under section 15 shall not have effect (and no action shall be taken in relation to it under section 17) unless the report is made before the end of the period specified in the reference or such further period (if any) as may be allowed by the Commission under subsection (3).
(3)The Commission may, if it has received representations on the subject from the Competition Commission and is satisfied that there are special reasons why the report cannot be made within the period specified in the reference, extend that period by no more than six months.
(4)No more than one extension is possible under subsection (3) in relation to the same reference.
(5)The Commission shall, in the case of an extension made by it under subsection (3)—
(a)publish that extension in such manner as it considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it; and
(b)send a copy of what has been published by it under paragraph (a) to the licence holder and the Secretary of State.]
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 15A, 15B inserted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278(1), 279, Sch. 25 para. 42(2); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)