Part I Competition

Chapter III Investigation and Enforcement

Enforcement : directions and interim measures

35 Interim measures.

F1(1)

Subject to F2subsection (8), this section applies if the F3CMA has begun an investigation under section 25 and not completed it (but only applies so long as the F3CMA has power under section 25 to conduct that investigation).

(2)

If the F3CMA considers that it is necessary for F4it to act under this section as a matter of urgency for the purpose—

(a)

of preventing F5significant damage to a particular person or category of person, or

(b)

of protecting the public interest,

F4it may give such directions as F4it considers appropriate for that purpose.

(3)

Before giving a direction under this section, the F3CMA must—

(a)

give written notice to the person (or persons) to whom F4it proposes to give the direction; and

(b)

give that person (or each of them) an opportunity to make representations.

(4)

A notice under subsection (3) must indicate the nature of the direction which the F3CMA is proposing to give and F4its reasons for wishing to give it.

F6(5)

A direction given under this section may if the circumstances permit be replaced by—

(a)

a direction under section 32 or (as appropriate) section 33, or

(b)

commitments accepted under section 31A,

but, subject to that, has effect while this section applies.

(6)

In the F7cases mentioned in F8section 25(2) and (6), sections 32(3) and 34 also apply to directions given under this section.

(7)

In the F9cases mentioned in F10section 25(4), sections 33(3) and 34 also apply to directions given under this section.

F11(8)

In the case of an investigation conducted by virtue of section 25(2) or (6), this section does not apply if a person has produced evidence to the F12CMA in connection with the investigation that satisfies it on the balance of probabilities that, in the event of it reaching the basic infringement conclusion, it would also reach the conclusion that the suspected agreement is exempt from the Chapter I prohibition as a result of section 9(1); and in this subsection “the basic infringement conclusion” is the conclusion that there is an agreement which—

(a)

may affect trade within the United Kingdom, and

(b)

has as its object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition within the United Kingdom.

F13(9)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .