(1)So far as the Commission considers it practicable to do so with a view to facilitating the exercise of its functions, it shall—
(a)keep under review the provision (in the United Kingdom, other member States and elsewhere) of postal services,
(b)collect information about the provision (in the United Kingdom, other member States and elsewhere) of those services.
(2)The Secretary of State may give directions indicating considerations to which the Commission is to have particular regard in deciding the order of priority in which matters are to be reviewed in performing its duty under subsection (1)(a).
(3)So far as the Commission considers it practicable to do so with a view to facilitating the exercise of its functions, it shall, in particular, collect information which enables comparisons to be made between the efficiency and economy of different postal operators (whether in the United Kingdom, other member States or elsewhere).
(4)The Commission shall from time to time collect information in relation to the standards of performance achieved by—
(a)any universal service provider in the provision of a universal postal service, and
(b)so far as not falling within paragraph (a), licence holders under Part II in the provision of services authorised or required by their licences.
(5)The Commission may collect such information as is necessary for it to comply with a notice of the Council under section 58(1).
(6)If the Commission considers it expedient or is asked by the Secretary of State to do so, it shall provide information, advice and help to the Secretary of State regarding any matter in relation to which the Commission has a function.
Commencement Information
I1S. 44 wholly in force; s. 44 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 130; s. 44(1)-(4)(6) in force at 6.11.2000 and s. 44 in force insofar as not already in force at 1.1.2001 by S.I. 2000/2957, art. 2(1)(2), Sch. 1, Sch. 2 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3-8)