(1)Before considering any rule—
(a)made under section 25A(4) or (5); or
(b)such as is mentioned in section 34(3A),
the Secretary of State shall send a copy of the proposed rule in question to the Director.
(2)The Director shall consider whether the rule in question would have, or would be likely to have, the effect of restricting, distorting or preventing competition to any significant extent.
(3)When the Director has completed his consideration he shall give such advice to the Secretary of State as he thinks fit.
(4)The Director may publish any advice given by him under subsection (3).
(5)The Director shall, so far as practicable, exclude from anything published under subsection (4) any matter—
(a)which relates to the affairs of a particular person; and
(b)the publication of which would, or might in the Director’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that person.
(6)For the purposes of the law of defamation, the publication of any advice or report by the Director under this section shall be absolutely privileged.]
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 64A–64D inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s.43; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1