Part XInvestigations: the Pensions Ombudsman
149Procedure on an investigation
1
Where the Pensions Ombudsman proposes to conduct an investigation into a complaint made or dispute referred under this Part, he shall give—
a
the trustees and managers of the scheme concerned, and
b
any other person against whom allegations are made in the complaint or reference,
an opportunity to comment on any allegations contained in the complaint or reference.
2
The Secretary of State may make rules with respect to the procedure which is to be adopted in connection with the making of complaints, the reference of disputes, and the investigation of complaints made and disputes referred, under this Part.
3
The rules may include provision—
a
requiring any oral hearing held in connection with such an investigation to take place in public, except in such cases as may be specified in the rules; and
b
as to the persons entitled to appear and be heard on behalf of parties to an investigation, as defined in section 148(5).
4
Subject to any provision made by the rules, the procedure for conducting such an investigation shall be such as the Pensions Ombudsman considers appropriate in the circumstances of the case; and he may, in particular, obtain information from such persons and in such manner, and make such inquiries, as he thinks fit.