26.—(1) The Secretary of State may at any time require a competent authority to provide information in relation to its functions under these Regulations.
(2) A request for information pursuant to paragraph (1)—
(a)must be made in writing;
(b)may specify the format in which information must be provided; and
(c)may specify the period of time within which a response must be received.
(3) If an authority receives a request pursuant to paragraph (1) it must respond—
(a)within the time period specified pursuant to paragraph (2)(c); or
(b)if no such period is specified, within fourteen days of receipt of the request.
(4) Paragraph (5) applies where—
(a)the Secretary of State has consulted the competent authority; and
(b)he considers that by reason of any act or omission, or any likely act or omission, by the competent authority—
(i)a requirement of these Regulations; or
(ii)a requirement imposed on the United Kingdom by the Directive,
is unlikely to be met.
(5) The Secretary of State may exercise such of the functions of the competent authority as he considers appropriate.