(1)Every reference under section 14 above 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 14 above shall not have effect (and no action shall be taken in relation to it under section 16 below) 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 [F2the Authority] under subsection (3) below.
(3)[F2The Authority] may, if [F2it] 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) above in relation to the same reference.
(5)[F2The Authority] shall, in the case of an extension made by him under subsection (3) above—
(a)publish that extension in such manner as [F2it] 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 [F2it] under paragraph (a) above to the company whose appointment is mentioned in the reference.]
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 14A, 14B inserted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 25(5); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.
F2Words 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)