Powers of the Scottish Ministers
24.—(1) The Scottish Ministers 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)shall be made in writing;
(b)may specify the format in which information shall be provided; and
(c)may specify the period of time within which a response shall be received.
(3) If a competent authority receives a request pursuant to paragraph (1) it shall respond–
(a)within the time period specified pursuant to paragraph (2)(c); or
(b)if no such period is specified, within 14 days of receipt of the request.
(4) Where–
(a)the Scottish Ministers have consulted the competent authority; and
(b)they consider 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, the Scottish Ministers may exercise such of the functions of the competent authority as they consider appropriate.