SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 3 General Exclusions

Section 21(2) agreements

2

F1(1)

The Chapter I prohibition does not apply to an agreement in respect of which a direction under section 21(2) of the M1Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976 is in force immediately before the coming into force of section 2 (“a section 21(2) agreement”).

(2)

If a material variation is made to a section 21(2) agreement, sub-paragraph (1) ceases to apply to the agreement on the coming into force of the variation.

(3)

Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply to a particular section 21(2) agreement if the F2OFT gives a direction under this paragraph to that effect.

(4)

If the F2OFT is considering whether to give a direction under this paragraph, F3it may by notice in writing require any party to the agreement in question to give F3the OFT such information in connection with the agreement as F3it may require.

(5)

The F2OFT may give a direction under this paragraph only as provided in sub-paragraph (6) or (7).

(6)

If at the end of such period as may be specified in rules under section 51 a person has failed, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement imposed under sub-paragraph (4), the F2OFT may give a direction under this paragraph.

(7)

The F2OFT may also give a direction under this paragraph F4if it considers—

(a)

that the agreement will, if not excluded, infringe the Chapter I prohibition; and

(b)

that F4the OFT isnot likely to grant it an unconditional individual exemption.

(8)

For the purposes of sub-paragraph (7) an individual exemption is unconditional if no conditions or obligations are imposed in respect of it under section 4(3)(a).

(9)

A direction under this paragraph—

(a)

must be in writing;

(b)

may be made so as to have effect from a date specified in the direction (which may not be earlier than the date on which it is given).